The Well-being of Gorillas in volcanoes national park is well preserved
The management of Volcanoes National Park has announced that the security and health of the gorillas within the park are being well-maintained, even as they have not been visited by tourists for nearly a month.
In an interview with Kigali Today, Prosper Uwingeri, the Director of Volcanoes National Park, said that the key to restoring normal tourism lies in the hands of Rwandans, particularly in adhering to the government-imposed measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.
He emphasized that once everyone understands and strictly follows the guidelines provided during this pandemic, it will significantly weaken COVID-19, leading to its eventual eradication—a disease that continues to devastate economies globally.
He also noted that despite the temporary halt in tourism activities within the parks due to the ongoing pandemic, there is no concern regarding the health of the gorillas, as they continue to receive the same care as before.
He stated, “As always, we continue our work to protect the park. Our efforts to care for the gorillas have not stopped. The absence of tourists has no negative impact on their well-being because we monitor their health daily to ensure they are well cared for. If one falls ill, it is treated. Currently, they are in good health, residing with their families as usual.”
Uwingeri highlighted that the proper implementation of national and global measures against the pandemic is the pathway to defeating it, which will, in turn, allow tourism to resume.
He added, “As these preventive measures are followed—whether at the village, district, national, or global level—they are critical steps toward ending the pandemic, allowing tourists to return to the parks.”
He continued, “Adhering to the government’s guidelines is the best form of cooperation to ensure these efforts yield quick results, enabling the return of tourism and the financial benefits it brings.”
Gorillas that Left Volcanoes National Park Have Returned
Meanwhile, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced that a family of gorillas that had left Volcanoes National Park for Uganda has now returned.
Through their Twitter page, RDB revealed that the Hirwa family, which had migrated to Mgahinga National Park in Uganda on August 28, 2019, has returned to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Each year, Volcanoes National Park generates approximately 120 million USD, equivalent to over 100 billion Rwandan Francs, from tourists who come to visit the more than 300 gorillas inhabiting the park.
Volcanoes National Park generates around 120 million USD annually.