Ephrem just received a report that three more elephants were killed in Virunga, bringing the total to 17 in the last two weeks. This is unprecedented. Every single one had its ivory hacked out. The price of ivory is believed to be at around US$150 per kg on the local market. At this rate, Virunga could lose all of its elephants before the end of the year. We are working on deploying the Advance Force of rangers in the area, although they are quite badly overstretched in Southern Sector of the park, on the efforts to stop the charcoal trade.
This was an interview given on Voice of America on Thursday night, following the killings.
7 Comments
Horrible news. Lisa
Very sad news… How can we help?
Great interview. Thanks for sharing it. Lisa
I’m guessing we need to beef up our support of these rangers. Can more men be trained and recruited, to expand their numbers? But this would take precious time, something these remaining elephants, don’t have. When I get my tax refund and rebate check, about $1000, it will go to ranger support. Please, anyone with any ideas, post them here. I have tried to find email contact for the President of the DRC, no luck so far but I will call their embassy in Washington, Monday morning to file a complaint. I urge everyone, to do the same. If anyone wants to brainstorm with me, please email me @ siskind8@msn.com.
Theresa, can you post the phone number of the DRC embassy here?
Thanks,
s.
Embassy of the DRC (202)234-7690
thats for sure, bro