Gorillas, Rebels & Heroes; that's Virunga!

I recently went along to the beautiful Hackney Picture House to finally see Virunga:The Movie. I have been wanting to see this documentary for months and finally got my chance, I was not disappointed. 

Source - http://now-here-this.timeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/HackneyPicturehouse_RG058.jpg

Taken from the movie promo:

"VIRUNGA IS THE INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY OF A GROUP OF BRAVE PEOPLE RISKING THEIR LIVES TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE IN A PART OF AFRICA THE WORLD'S FORGOTTEN AND A GRIPPING EXPOSE OF THE REALITIES OF LIFE IN THE CONGO.”

All I can say is that it lived up to its expectations and I have not been on an emotional roller coaster like that for a long time. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire film and the cinematography is simply stunning. As you walk with the ranger patrols in the Virunga National Park and hear gun shots and bombs going off you really feel like you are there. Seeing Andre taking care of the orphaned gorillas and refusing to leave them on the cusp of rebels coming in almost brought me to tears. Finally, seeing Emmanuel de Merode (Chief Warden of Virunga National Park) saying "I will be the last one to leave" and addressing all the rangers in the morning was incredible. What these guys do, putting their lives literally on the line, to protect their country and its laws is fantastic and truly heroic.

Check out the trailer and feel your emotions connecting with the work they do. Then book to go and see it here - http://virungamovie.com/Screenings; you will not regret it.

Virunga - Official Trailer 2014 from Grain Media on Vimeo.

After the film I knew we were going to have a Q & A with the producer, but when Andrea and Emmanuel popped up on screen as well I was shaking. After seeing the film and then talking to them was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life; I even got to ask a question.

Speaking with producers, Andre & Emmanuel via Skype

Here is a list of things you can do to help if you can't make a screening - http://virungamovie.com/#takeaction

Thank you for reading and I hope you will spread the word about what is going on in Virunga and about the brave men and women that fight to save it everyday.

Disclaimer:

"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a Primatologist blog are purely my own and are not in any way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be provided where other photos are used; if they are yours and you would like them taken down then please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links posted."

If you see a gorilla, RUN!

Yesterday I took part in the 11th Great Gorilla Run (GGR), an 8km fun run through the heart of London to raise money for The Gorilla Organization. Over 500 people had registered and I was very excited at the prospect of being part of this amazing charity event.

Pre-Run
I signed up for the GGR back in late August one week before returning from Kenya, which only gave me five weeks to get my act together and train for it. The reason I had signed up was that only a month before I had actually visited the gorillas in Bwindi, Uganda. Seeing them first hand was not only a dream come true, but also made me realise how much work is to be done to ensure their survival for the future. You can read about my gorilla experience below:

Meeting the gorillas part 1 click here                                        
Meeting the gorillas part 2 click here

After arriving back in England I began doing some runs wherever I could and I felt good about my fitness levels; then the gorilla suit arrived. Of course 8km on a relatively flat level doesn't perhaps sound that challenging, but when you add a heavy, furry, unbreathable, thick gorilla suit it starts to look a bit more daunting. When trying it on for the first time you soon realise why people have commented on this so called "fun run" being more difficult than a half marathon. There is no where for your body heat to go and so you very quickly get sweaty and hot; this is going to be interesting.

Trying the suit on for the first time

Gorilla training

Gorilla training

The Big Day
So four weeks had flown by and all of a sudden the big day was here. I arrived in central London (right by the Gherkin) at around 9.30am and there were already hundreds of gorillas warming up. It was a very strange setting (like a budget Planet of the Apes film) and the different costumes that were appearing were fantastic. There was everything from just plain old gorilla to Darth Vadar, Lifeguards, Bikinis, Angels and Devils, big bananas, multi-coloured and everything in between; including a guy dressed as a gorilla carrying a human in a cage.

Source - http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/gallery/hundreds-gorillas-take-streets-london-4292350 

Got to love a storm trooper gorilla

Oh I say, the posh gorillas

Source - http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/gallery/hundreds-gorillas-take-streets-london-4292350

Of course what is a gorilla run without Darth Gorilla

My personal favourite and he did attract a lot of attention

I was now feeling pumped so I dressed up in my gorilla suit with my GGR t-shirt over the top and running number attached (338 is me). Then I headed to the starting point where I met Ian Redmond (chairman of the Gorilla Organization), this was a huge moment for me as Ian has been a hero of mine for many years. His work with gorillas, elephants and conservation is amazing and has created real change around the world. He was dressed in his traditional khaki shorts, shirt and sandals and I just had to get a photo.

Getting dressed for the occasion

Is it hot in here or is it just me

How do I look?

Finally got to meet the amazing Ian Redmond

Then at around 10.30am we all gathered at the starting point and had some inspiration words (and spoon bending) from Uri Geller as well as the Patron of the GGR Bill Oddie. He then announced the start of the race, but was still in front of all the gorillas when we started; luckily he moved quickly out of the way and we were OFF!

Getting ready to go

Quick photos with celebrities before setting off

Bill Oddie saying Ready, Steady, GO!

Bill Oddie quickly realising he was in the wrong place

The crowd was cheering and everyone was having a good time making gorilla noises (some were very questionable) and getting into the spirit of the run. I quickly realised two things, 1. You can not see a thing out of the mask and 2. It got very hot inside the suit and mask very quickly. However, with the random waving tourists we were running past, car hooting and the sights of London around us I put that behind me and got on with the run. We went round the Tower of London where I saw all the poppies that had been laid out in the grounds, we then went underground before popping up further down and going over tower bridge to run along the south bank. There were a lot of people taking photos and also wondering what the hell was going on; I overheard one woman say "that is what I love about London, always something going on".

There I go, on the left 338

So many funny costumes

It had seemed like I was running for ages and then a marshal (who were all fantastic) mentioned that this is the halfway point. The random people constantly cheering me on (in many languages) did keep me going and it was raising awareness, which is always good. With the last km in sight I was really feeling tired and it didn't help going past the back of a big building that was pumping out heat. Then a marshal told me we were approaching the finishing straight and that last 500 meters was the hardest part of the race. As I turned round the corner and saw the finish I picked up the pace, put my hands in the air, the crowd roared, the announcer read out my number and name and Uri Geller put a medal around my neck. I was exhausted and extremely hot and sweaty, but grabbed a photo with Bill Oddie, another one with Ian Redmond and got the gorilla suit off as quickly as humanly possible.

At the end with Bill Oddie, clock reading 49 minutes

Post race photo with Ian Redmond

Taking the suit off was one of the most satisfying things I have ever done

They gave us a goody bag containing a banana, coconut water and regular water, which was just what I needed. Luckily it was a cool, cloudy day and I started recovering quickly, it was amazing to watch all the different gorillas finishing. The atmosphere and environment was just fun, with drummers playing, music blaring and everyone just having a good time. I finished in 49 minutes and from the looks of it was in the top 30 to 40, but it is not a race and that is not what it is about.

A banana, just what the doctor ordered

What a fantastic costume

After about an hour of relaxing we heading into the bar area and had some words of congratulations by Bill Oddie who said "wildlife brings out the worst and the best in humanity and today we have witnessed the latter", Uri Geller "congratulations to everyone you have made a difference", Ian Redmond "gorillas are the gardeners of the forest and we must protect them to protect the forests they live in" and Jillian Miller the Chief Executive announced we had so far (donations accepted till November) raised £65,000 and said "the money you have raised today will go a long way to making sure we continue the fight to save the remaining gorillas in Africa".

Award ceremony with Ian Redmond, Uri Geller, Bill Oddie and Stanley Johnson in the background

Prizes were given out for best dressed male and female, largest group and best training video; notice no prize for first place. This really is a fun run and everyone is encouraged to participate. All in all I had a tremendous day, meeting great people, having fun and participating in an event that makes a real difference.

Donations are still being taken so please give what you can here - https://gorillarun2014.everydayhero.com/uk/if-you-see-a-gorilla-run

Also, if this has inspired you why not sign up to the 12th Great Gorilla Run 2015 here - http://www.greatgorillarun.org/

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Disclaimer:
"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links posted."

Meeting the mountain Gorillas, Part 1: The journey to Bwindi

Since I was 7 years old and my mum was a member of Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International I have wanted to visit the mountain gorillas. I have finally had that chance and I would like to share my experience with you.

Part 1 – The Journey

It all started in Mombasa airport where an immigration lady was asking me some pushing questions about why I had extended my visa in Kenya and what was I doing. I wanted to say “What? You mean you don’t like the fact I am boosting your country’s economy through tourism while everyone else is staying away”, but instead I opted for the more passive “well I love Kenya and wanted to see more of it”. Both flights to Nairobi and then to Entebbe were under an hour, and after the take off (around 15 minutes into both flights) I was surprised they were serving drinks and even a light snack. Let’s just say that with me sitting near the back by the time I received my tomato juice the stewardess was saying “please put your tray table up we are landing”; I don’t even think the guys behind me got a drink.

I had a terrific sense of excitement as I landed in Uganda, especially as they had a large poster of the mountain gorillas as you go through the terminal. Meeting the immigration officer on this side was also interesting as on approach he said “Passport”, then about 1 minute later “give me $50”; and visa is done. This was it I had begun my mini-adventure to live out a boyhood dream of seeing the mountain gorillas.

I was greeted by Agaba of A & A Gorilla Tours and my guide for the trip, Paul, both welcoming me to Uganda. After the short journey to our hotel we had a brief talk about the trip, dinner and then off to bed. Before going to bed I met one of the largest dogs ever (called Simba meaning Lion), but like all large dogs I have encountered he was a soft, soppy giant.

Simba the soppy giant

Up early the next day and as we were leaving Entebbe we saw the sun rise over Lake Victoria, which was nothing short of mesmerizing. At first I was dreading the 8-10 hour journey across Uganda, but Paul was a fantastic guide and made it into a safari ride using the landscape, towns, people and wildlife to entertain us as we drove along. I hardly slept on the way there and people that have driven with me know I love a good sleep in the car; but it was just so interesting.

Sunrise over Lake Victoria

For the first hour we were driving down a dusty, red clay road to avoid the heavy morning Kampala (capital) traffic, you could see all the red dust on the plants that lined the road; goodness knows what havoc that is playing on peoples lungs. On route we saw people making bricks using the clay soil, then piling it into a pyramid and lighting a fire underneath it to dry them. Paul told us about the two types of coffee grown in Uganda, common lowland variety called Robster and the more expensive variety grown in the highlands Arabic. Potatoes are called “Irish” as they came from Ireland, and they are the most expensive vegetable crop that farmers can grow; with sweet potatoes being the polar opposite; the cheapest. We then made it to the tarmac road that was a lot smoother to dive on and you could see far into the beautiful Ugandan landscape; a lot greener than where I am in Kenya.

The red dusty road we started on

Brick making

The main road to western Uganda

We passed some natural swamps with wild Papyrus growing that the locals use to make baskets and mats. Then Paul stopped suddenly and showed us a massive bird in the swap area called a Saddle Billed Stork. We only saw the bird as a local was hunting a small deer like animal. Quickly back on board and on to our first stop point, the Equator.

Papyrus growing in the swamps

A very bad shot of the Saddle Billed Stork

Arriving at the Equator point was quite interesting as you had a large ring you could stand in saying 0˚Latitude and a few tourist shops; but a little bit desolate. Regardless of that is was cool to be passing from the northern to the southern hemisphere; or to have one foot in each half. We saw a demonstration of the way water spins in each hemisphere and exactly in the middle. The three sinks were about 5 metres apart with the middle one bang on the 0˚ line. In the northern hemisphere the water span clockwise, in the southern hemisphere the water span counter-clockwise, can you guess what happened in the middle? Amazingly the water did not spin at all, just went straight down the hole, I was impressed.

Standing on the Equator

One foot in both hemispheres

Getting ready to be amazed by water spinning

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On the road again and heading towards Mbarara, which is the main town in western Uganda. We passed Lake Nabugabo, which is fed solely by Lake Victoria and is mined extensively for sand; explains why a new glass making factory is currently being built by the Chinese. As it was currently the dry season (June/July) people were delivering/collecting water for the villages and towns in yellow jerry cans; amazing how many people could get on a bicycle. At one point a funeral van sped past us with flashing red lights that must have doubled up as an ambulance; but they also advertised they did catering, chairs and tents; brilliant business diversifying. Their slogan could be “we bury you, we seat you, we feed you.”

Guys carrying water to local villages

Long-Horned Ankole cattle, famous in this region

As we were driving through Lake Mburo National Park Paul pointed out that this was the smallest national park in Uganda, stretching a measly 364KM², but the only place Impala cold be seen in the country. Unfortunately the park now only had one lion left within its boundaries due to them hunting livestock. The farmers would poison meat killing practically all the lions. The lion was male and there are plans to re-introduce some females; so some hope yet. It is sad they feel the need to do this and kill such a magnificent animal.

I learnt that the Marahbu Stork (another large bird) has acid in its throat so strong it could turn metal into liquid. We stopped in Mbarara for lunch and also saw the Great White Pelican and the Crown/Crested Crane, which is the national bird of Uganda with the three colours of the flag; Red, Black and Yellow. I am starting to think all the birds in Uganda are supersized. Lunch was quick and delicious, I got to try the national dish Matooke, boiled and mashed green bananas with a peanut sauce; as expected it was delicious. I changed some money into Ugandan Shillings, it was so colourful, Pink, Blue, Yellow, Green and Red bills; the closest currency to look like monopoly money yet.

The Marahbu Stork

The Crown/Crested Crane

The Great White Pelican

Mbarara town center

Green bananas used for Matooke

One of many beautiful fruit & veg stalls

Paul buying us some sugar cane

Finally after 9 hours we closed in on Bwindi and the landscape had changed from flat farmland into big rolling hills. The mist had increased, and a certain coolness in the air as we were climbing in altitude. Paul told us the reason Bwindi is called the Impenetrable forest is that 60% of it is inaccessible. As we entered the forest area you could clearly see the boundary between the cultivated farmland and the forest; thank goodness this forest is protected. As large trees started to engulf us I started to be overwhelmed with memories of seeing photos and video footage of Dian Fossey in areas such as this. I was actually here and the gorillas were now within my grasp, somewhere beyond those trees were half the remaining population of mountain gorillas in the world; around 440.

The mountains of Bwindi and the communities that live in the valleys

The boundary between farmland and the forest

Our entrance into Bwindi

Of course Bwindi was not only home to the gorillas, there were birds, forest elephants, chimpanzees and the guereza colobus monkeys; which I had seen while coming down from Mount Kilimanjaro last year in Tanzania. It would be great to see…suddenly we stopped, Paul had spotted the colobus and sure enough there they were. They differ from the Angolan colobus that I am studying in Kenya, they have far fluffier backs and tails, and slightly larger/pointier heads. We had barely begun and one big tick already on the list.

Finally arrived at our lodge, lovely solar powered hot shower, then I went for a walk about the small local village area. No matter how far away the kids were they would shout out HELLO and wave non stop; it was lovely. A very nice dinner of beans, rice and veg and then outside sitting by the camp fire watching the night sky while being told stories in the local tongue through song. This place was truly unbelievable and the more I thought about it the more I realised it would probably be another night of little sleep; for tomorrow I was going to actually see the mountain gorillas of Bwindi.

Camp fire outside the lodge as the sun sets in Bwindi

Story telling and local songs

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You can see all my photos of my time in Uganda on my Flickr page here - https://flic.kr/s/aHsjZJ6dUU

Or on my facebook page here - www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist

Disclaimer:

"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links posted."