Animals Managing to Survive in Afghanistan

Apparently, wildlife in Afghanistan is managing to survive despite the horrors of war and violence. The stupid video won't embed, so here's the link to the web page. It's from Time Magazine.

Mules Serve as Military Animals in Afghanistan

The US Marines are using them because they're good for hauling stuff. I think it's sad to force one more species to participate in another human war.

Mountain Gorilla Ranger Slain in the Congo

Protecting mountain gorillas in the Congo is dangerous work. Just last week, a 33-year-old ranger was killed by Mai Mai rebels.

Mai Mai rebels are described as community-based militia groups frequently involved in banditry. Another ranger was wounded in the attack and a rebel was captured. That arrest has resulted in several leads in the investigation.

"The Mai Mai are seeking to wear down the rangers because they don't want the park to exist. They want to cultivate and poach in the park," said Samantha Newport, communications director for the refuge.

The ranger's name was Safari Kakule, and he was called "exceptional." Here is a brief Youtube video of him. He left a wife and three children.

Congo Rebels Claim They Are Protecting the Gorillas

This New York Times article doesn't have much new to report. I did notice this though....

Officials with Virunga National Park are urging the rebels and government troops to allow them to return to work. The rebels insist the gorillas are safe.

“We are protecting them,” said Babu Amani, a rebel spokesman.

In the meantime...

France began circulating a draft resolution on Monday that would temporarily authorize an additional 3,085 troops and police officers for the peacekeeping mission in the Congo to protect civilians in the eastern part of the country.

Mountain Gorillas Left Unprotected in Virunga

Of course, there is more war in the Congo. Always, always, war. And the mountain gorillas are once again vulnerable. The rebels have taken over the wildlife rangers' headquarters and the gorillas are unprotected. Unless they flee to the Rwandan side of the forest, they may die.

About 200 of the 700 remaining mountain gorillas are in this forest. They don't breed in captivity. Once they're gone, they're gone.

Why can't we just leave them in peace?

Remembering Animals on Remembrance Day

Here is an article in the Edmonton Journal about a professor that highlights the work of naimals in wartime every Remembrance Day (that's what they call Veteran's Day in the Commonwealth for you hosers like me in the US).

The UK even has a medal called the Dickin Medal for those animals who do extraordinary things in times of war or disaster. Two guide dogs who led their owners to safety on 9/11, for example, were given the award.

Photo by Soldiersmediacenter