Insightful peek into the dwellings of Earth's remaining mountain gorilla population
In the heart of Africa lies the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Virunga National Park, a 3,000 square-mile haven of nature that houses lush forests, active volcanoes, and rare wildlife such as elephants, hippos, lions, and mountain gorillas. This extraordinary park, established in 1925 under the initiative of the Belgian officer and naturalist Alphonse Dubois, has become a personal story for photojournalist Brent Stirton.
Stirton's 18-year journey to document the park's promise and peril has been marked by numerous challenges. The southern part of the park is threatened by violence from paramilitary organizations and insurgent rebel groups due to its proximity to Africa's conflict zones. Protecting Virunga requires 800 highly skilled park rangers who risk their lives for a dangerous cause, and about 240 park rangers have died in the last 20 years while on duty in the park.
Despite these adversities, the park's survival is a testament to the people who work there. The leadership has spearheaded initiatives for sustainable hydroelectric power and small-scale farms to provide financial alternatives to extractive industries like mining and charcoal production. These efforts have helped protect some of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, with the global population increasing from as few as 300 individuals in 2007 to over a thousand today.
Mountain gorillas, known for their size and power, are surprisingly gentle and protective of their families. Stirton has had the privilege of photographing a baby mountain gorilla found by a park ranger in the forest, which he documented for the next 13 years. These creatures exhibit humor and have distinct individual characteristics, reminding us that they have the same rights to be on this planet as humans do.
Brent Stirton believes that everyone should have the opportunity to experience nature firsthand, as it fosters a sense of why these animals are worth protecting. His photos, widely published, including on the cover of our website, offer a glimpse into this extraordinary world.
In 1994, the Rwandan Genocide created roughly four million refugees, many of whom sought refuge in Virunga National Park. Today, half the park is controlled by the Rwandan-backed rebel group M23, adding to the park's ongoing turmoil. Despite these challenges, the park's leadership has had to move their headquarters three times in the last three years due to conflict.
Stirton's commitment to Virunga is evident in his work. He felt compelled to keep a record of what's happening in the park because it offers a full range of the human condition, from great courage to great villainy. His photo book featuring images taken inside Virunga's borders will be available online starting September 1, 2025, and can be ordered online.
Through his work, Stirton has attended funerals of slain park rangers and has witnessed their resilience and vision despite facing numerous challenges. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving these precious ecosystems and the brave individuals who protect them.
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