This is a message from Rebecca, a 23 year old ranger who has recently arrived at Tshiaberimu from ICCN’s local headquarters in Mutsora.

I am Rebecca. I have a love of nature. I decided to become a park guard as I saw how the ‘rebellion’ was widely destroying the Virungas National Park. I have just finished my ranger training and when I heard about Tshiaberimu my boss thought I would do well and be able to help in this sector.

But unfortunately, shortly after I arrived at Tshiaberimu, two female gorillas died. It was a very sad time for me at the beginning of my career.

I am determined to fully immerse myself with conservation and to take part in all the patrols to protect the gorillas. I hope to show other women that the gorillas are our close relatives; our cousins and we must help to protect them. When I see how the female gorilla Kitawite cares for her baby Musomboli, I remember how my mother cares for me.

The job is not easy as I am the first girl to stay in the northern sector of the Virungas and particularly at Tshaiberimu. I do not yet earn any wages but with the support of the project I have everything that I need.

I think that I will be among one of the first and few female conservationists.