Updated
An anti-poaching ranger in the Democratic Republic of
the Congo has described his striking selfie with a pair of endangered
mountain gorillas as "just another day in the office".
Key points:
- The selfie was taken with two endangered mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park
- Mr Shamavu's selfie grabbed international attention on social media for the plight of the gorillas
- The park is protected by more than 600 rangers in a region of the country impacted by war
Virunga National Park anti-poaching ranger Mathieu Shamavu posted his selfie with the two gorillas on Facebook as part of his units' efforts to raise awareness and funds for the species at the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The image, featuring the two gorillas standing upright and looking at the camera, has grabbed international attention on social media, bringing the plight of the species into the spotlight.
According to the Virunga National Park website, one third of the world's population of critically endangered mountain gorillas live in the region.
The park is protected by a team of more than 600 rangers, and is situated in a region of the country which has been impacted by war for more than 20 years.
"These local men and women go through intensive training, risking their lives on a daily basis to safeguard the park's exceptional wildlife, including the last of the world's critically endangered mountain gorillas," the website says.
Facebook users thanked the rangers for their work protecting the species, with many donating money.
"Wow that is an awesome office you've got there," said one commenter of Mr Shamavu's workplace."
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