I was born and was brought up on the edge of Virunga National Park. My parents have worked in the park their entire lives. I have 5 brothers who all work for the park and my grandfather was one of the first ever Rangers. It is amazing to think that so many of his descendants are Rangers.

Working in Virunga has done me a lot of good and has brought me closer to animals. One thing I have learned is that gorillas can have an amazing understanding of their surroundings and are mostly peaceful. For example, many years ago when Rugendo the Silverback was alive, his son Humba decided to leave the group. But instead of fighting they actually managed to share out individuals in the family between themselves. Then each continued living with his new family.

The park is my life. And he who destroys the park also destroys my life.