Rugendo Is Dead

During June and July 2001, there was an increase in fighting between the military of the rebel forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda with militia groups in eastern Congo. Much of the fighting took place in the forested Virunga Volcanoes. Rugendo, the dominant male of one of the gorilla groups on the Congolese side of the border, was shot dead during clashes between the military and Interahamwe militia groups on July 15, 2001. He died about 40 m from the park boundary.
Rugendo had been habituated since 1986 and was visited by hundreds of tourists. His body was taken to Rumangabo, the park headquarters, for examination. His remains will be buried there, with those of the other gorillas killed during the war. His son, Sekwekwe has taken over leadership.

From a press release by the African Wildlife Foundation
 

Virunga National Park overview

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