Gorilla Massacre

The December issue of National Geographic has a stunning slide show of the July 23rd Mountain Gorillas massacre. Photographers Michael Nichols and Brent Stirton provide narration for their slide show which can be viewed here.

Among the gorillas who were killed was the silverback, Senkekwe, who was found lying on his back with his hand over his heart. He was shot while beating his chest, trying to protect his females. Three adult females were killed: Safari, Mburanumwe and Neza. Safari and Neza left juvenile offspring behind; Mburanumwe was pregnant.

Senkekwe was the offspring of Rugendo, who was shot dead in 2001 by militia forces. You can view the sad history of the Rugendo family here.

It is believed the gorillas were killed for charcoal. Trees in the Virunga National Forest where the Mountain Gorillas live are cut down to make charcoal.

Here is a youtube.com video of Senkekwe's troop taken the day before the massacre:


All for a bag of charcoal.

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