The Story:
Critically Endangered Mountain Gorilla – Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda.
The second largest group in Rwanda at the time we visited was the Kwitonda Group that consisted of 23 individuals when we trekked to see them. The trek to reach them had been an experience in itself, as we encountered forest buffalo and then the infamous biting ants. It was a couple of hours trekking to reach the group but at a fairly low altitude through dense forest. When we found the group they were resting in the sunshine in a grassy clearing amongst the bamboo. One of the Silverbacks was flat out on his back sleeping and tolerated us nearby without so much as opening his eyes. This mother and her baby were slightly lower down in the clearing from the resting silverback. The baby had been nursing and then her mum began to groom her. It created a very powerful image of the love she clearly felt for her little one. Parting the babies hair with her finger tips and licking at the youngster too. The baby’s eyes piercing and bright as they studied us intently. Wrapped in her mother’s arms she seemed so protected and safe, completely opposite to the precarious position of her species. It was a tender, loving, powerful moment, that it was a privilege to share & capture.
WHY MOUNTAIN GORILLAS NEED YOUR HELP:
With only 1000 individuals left in the wild the Mountain Gorilla is officially listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Redlist. The population is limited to a confined single range in the Virunga Mountain Range which spans three countries and includes the protected areas: The Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and the Parc National des Virunga in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The population of Mountain Gorillas has increased slightly in recent years due to the fantastic job done by the trackers and rangers across the three countries that monitor them closely and work hard to protect them. However habitat loss, poaching and disease are still very real threats to their long term survival. The revenue from tourism brings important funds to these countries to help fund the ongoing protection of their mountain gorillas and the national parks that the gorillas rely on for survival. In some regions, particularly the Parc National des Virunga in the DRC, local instability within the country and park means tourism is not always possible and yet the threats to the gorillas here are perhaps some of the highest. It is for this reason that I have chosen to support the Parc National des Virunga through a donation of 20% from the sale of this print and any others that feature gorillas.
Virunga National Park, is one of Africa’s most biodiverse protected areas, it exists to protect 1/3 of the world’s wild mountain gorillas, alongside a staggering in excess of 1000 species of mammal, bird, reptile and amphibian, whilst also providing a beacon of hope for a brighter future to more than four million people affected by conflict in the region. Whilst it is hard to write this and I try not to focus on the negatives, it is a sad fact that the rangers in Virunga face some of the biggest challenges of anywhere in Africa or the world in protecting wildlife. The exceptional individuals both men and women that take up the role as rangers of Virunga literally put their lives on the line in the name of protecting this exceptional eco-system for the future. All too regularly there is news of ambushes and armed conflict resulting in the loss of life of these brave men and women, to date over 200 rangers have been killed in the line of duty in Virunga National Park, a figure that leaves me cold. Whilst there are many incredible organisations supporting the protection of Mountain gorillas it is the plight of the brave men and women in Virunga who face adversity with such courage and commitment that I felt in my heart deserved more support. Their story is not well known and I hope by sharing with you here that it will bring more awareness to their situation and by supporting them they will know that the sacrifice of their lost comrades is seen and appreciated and that whilst we might not be able to stand physically beside them we support them and are grateful for all they do.
If you would like to support the team in Virunga directly or learn more about them you can visit their website here: https://virunga.org
EXTRA INFORMATION:
Instead of offering bulk mass-produced prints, I want you to know that you are buying something special and unique. I feel that people should purchase fine art photography prints because the artwork speaks to them and they feel an emotional connection to the print and the photographer. All my prints are strictly available as low number limited edition runs. As a limited edition print sells its price will appreciate accordingly in the online store, as fewer remain available to purchase.
Printed on Aluminium using the Chromaluxe process. It offers a unique, sleek contemporary finish. It has a sub-frame which allows the image to be mounted directly to the wall, thus achieving a flawless floating effect, without the need for additional framing.
Should you wish to purchase a limited edition print in a different size to that listed, please contact me and I will be happy to discuss your requirements and provide a quote for the cost to produce the print in your desired size. I am also happy to provide quotes for printing onto Archival Grade Fine Art Papers and framing if you would like to have your print printed and framed in a more traditional way.
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