The UN designated 2009 the Year of the Gorilla to draw attention to and increase support of gorilla conservation. I created these photos in the wild habitat over a two day period in 2011 with tracker and guide and limited to one hour daily with the Mt. Gorillas at an 8,000 ft. level after hiking from a 4,000 ft. altitude. As Africa’s largest great ape, they are known as Beringi, Beringi. Approximately 832 exist in the world today in the cluster of only 3 African countries — Rwanda, Uganda, and Republic of the Congo. The Virunga Volcanoes form a natural geographic boundary between them and the program of education including of former poachers is a positive result along with giving pride in their country and preserving the heritage of this endangered species.
FAVORITE PHOTO — Locking eyes with the adult male Mt. Gorilla who awoke from a nap at about 15 feet away from me was an emotional moment and unique metaphysical connection to the wild as I held my breath. I bowed my head humbly as previously instructed in his natural habitat which I was privileged to share in with the guidance of a native Rwandan who now is part of the preservation and conservation program of his country to preserve history, heritage and an endangered, majestic animal species.
