Hero rangers share gorilla selfies
ANTI-POACHING rangers have shared a series of incredible selfies posing and relaxing with the gorillas they risked their lives to protect.
The heartwarming snaps were taken at Congo’s Virunga National Park last week, days after one ranger died in the line of action.
At least 600 rangers work at the safari park to protect the animals that can weigh up to a staggering 180kg.
Describing their work on their website, the park said it has been “deeply” impacted by war and armed conflict over the past 20 years.
In total, around 1790 rangers have died trying to save the lives of gorillas.
Proud to stand next to the survivors, in one selfie, a young man contains a grin, as he stands next to a gorilla on its legs, appearing very much like a human.
The animals appear to lean back and shrug their shoulders, with one leaning forward to make sure its entire head can be seen in the selfie. The snap captioned “family time” generated thousands of likes on Facebook.
The safari park was launched in 1925 and is among the first protected areas in Africa.
In 2013, it was estimated that at least six mountain gorilla families, representing 100 gorillas lived in the area.