Not only are they in danger from frightened soldiers and hungry rebels, but poaching is still a threat. Daily patrols are essential. Yet since the war began in 1996, large areas of the park have been off-limits to rangers. In addition, the entire Rwandan Parc des Volcans, which abuts Virunga National Park to the east, has been closed to park personnel for more than a year. I asked Mushenzi what he thought might be happening in those unpatrolled areas.
Good things do seem unlikely.
On the other hand, several factors weigh in the gorillas' favor. First, their mountain home is extremely rugged and densely vegetated. When they want to avoid contact, they are adept at hiding. As an example, biologists have known for decades about an isolated group of lowland gorillas in the northern part of the park. Second, both Rwandans and Congolese are proud of their gorillas.