Renewed conflict between the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s government and fighters who are led by General Laurent Nkunda has also created a massive humanitarian crisis.

Thousands of people have been left malnourished and ill after being displaced by the advancing rebel forces, including more than 50 wildlife rangers who had spent years protecting the gorillas and other wildlife in Virunga Park prior to being driven out by the rebels.

The park director, Emmanuel de Merode, called the seizure of the park’s headquarters “unprecedented, even in all the years of conflict in the region.” During repeated attacks in 2007, 10 of the endangered primates were killed.

Park officials say that some of the rebels are now hunting and camping in the same forested hills that about 200 of the last remaining 700 mountain gorillas also live.

Photo: Journeyman Pictures