BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST 1°03’07.6”S 29°37’12.4”E
A male gorilla blackback is actually at the stage before becoming a grown silverback. They are usually younger than 12 years old. One of my favourite moments was to observe Karisu, the juvenile that is in line to become a leader of the group, playing around, practicing his chest bounce, and going from one family member to the other, just as children often do when they are bored and looking for attention. The hour we got with them was far too short, but totally understandable to ensure that we do not disturb their natural habitat. After that experience, I decided to enhance my journey by booking an additional nature walk to simply spend more time in the beautiful forest. And beating all the odds, the family suddenly walked out of the forest right in front of us, making it the best $75 I ever invested. During my journey, I had the privilege of interviewing Joyleen, a guide ranger with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, who explained, “They behave like us in a family. I tell my children how similar they are to us: We both have ears, hands, eyes, and a hierarchy.” She also shared insights on the ongoing efforts in preservation and education that are making a difference. Despite being the most powerful and largest primates, their presence was nothing but peaceful. Their slow, deliberate movements and moments of quiet contemplation exuded tranquility. I didn’t sense even an ounce of aggression. Trekking through the thick forest reminded me how wild our planet still is, a place that feels untouched and filled with richness. It reinforced the importance of conserving these precious places to preserve their untamed beauty and biodiversity. It’s important to highlight the incredible work of the rangers and guides who spend seven days a week in the field tracking these families, educating communities for future generations, and raising awareness among tourists. I used to view tourism solely as a negative force, but I now see it as a crucial first step in fostering empathy toward nature and its inhabitants. Joyleen elaborated, “Since everyone has to pay a fee to enter the park, we can ensure revenue sharing for conservation and make tourism sustainable.” Spending time in Bwindi not only connected me to the gorillas but also made me reflect on the larger picture of conservation. It became clear that our actions, both big and small, have a direct impact on the survival of such extraordinary species. And conservation, even if it can be hard to see the impact in a short period of time, it is so important. Witnessing the harmony between the forest and its inhabitants inspired me to reevaluate my own narrative toward my films and underscored the urgent need for collective efforts to safeguard these ecosystems for future generations. Experiencing the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of life and the delicate balance required to sustain it. The dedication of local communities and conservation teams offers hope for the future of mountain gorillas and their remaining habitat, but also for the surrounding community that can earn a living from a sustainable business model with tourism. It is up to all of us, as global citizens, to support these efforts and ensure that such sanctuaries continue to thrive for generations to come.
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MOTHER VOLUME FOUR
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