World Ranger Day is observed globally on July 31st to honor the brave colleagues who dedicate their lives to safeguarding the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage.
Park rangers are on the front line in the fight to protect wildlife. Their vital work includes environmental advocacy, species monitoring, and public education. World Ranger Day is a time to show appreciation for their unwavering commitment. And to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
On this day, we pay tribute to these dedicated guardians of nature — past and present — whose efforts are critical to the survival of our planet’s ecosystems.
The One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health join the world to “stand with the park rangers of the world in their fight to protect wildlife”
On July 31st, World Ranger Day honors those who protect our planet’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Dr. Jean Felix Kinani Sangwa is the Founder and Executive Director of the One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health. Since 2004, he has been training wildlife veterinarians, park trackers and caregivers, and young conservationists in Rwanda’s Volcanoes, Akagera, and Nyungwe National Parks, as well as rangers from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
His training focuses on Wildlife Medicine through the One Health approach, which emphasizes the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment. Thanks to this training, trackers and rangers are able to actively participate in wildlife health monitoring and communicate effectively with veterinarians and park managers. By adding knowledge to their field skills, these trackers become even better equipped to protect all living species in their natural habitats.
With his extensive expertise in treating mountain gorillas, Dr. Jean Felix Kinani trains wildlife veterinarians to support his efforts in caring for sick or injured mountain gorillas, captive gorillas, and other great apes in and around the Virunga Massif. His work also extends to the treatment of a wide range of wildlife species — including buffalos, lions, giraffes, hyenas, antelopes, jackals, porcupines, and more — always carried out in close collaboration with dedicated park trackers and caregivers. https://gorillahealth.org/mountain-gorilla-veterinarians-expertise/.
He recognized how easy is working on wildlife animals with the great support of experimented trackers from the regions.
Dr Kinani said “The success of each field intervention on mountain gorilla depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the behavior of the gorilla and its group, and the availability of proper field equipment. However, what many people often overlook is the vital role of the trackers and rangers I’ve trained over the years — they not only help protect the wildlife, but also ensure the safety of veterinarians like myself during field operations.’’
“The following short story related by Dr Kinani highlights the critical role that rangers and trackers play — not only in protecting wildlife but also in safeguarding Volcanoes National Park as a whole. Their dedication often goes beyond their regular duties, and it underscores the urgent need for continued support in building their capacity through ongoing training and professional development.”
A Field Story from Dr. Jean Felix Kinani: The Rescue of Infant Gorilla Infura
I recall a particularly challenging field intervention with our team in Pablo’s group, when I was called to help Infura, an infant gorilla caught in a snare. Park trackers had reported the situation and called us in to assess and plan for snare removal.
The day before our arrival, experienced trackers had managed to cut part of the rope with a machete, allowing Infura to rejoin his group. However, about a meter of rope remained tightly tied around his leg, and he was clearly in pain.
During our first intervention attempt, the group was aggressive — not unusual when one of their members is distressed. Gorilla veterinarians must carefully observe the group and select the safest moment to act. Because of the group’s agitation, we decided to postpone the snare removal, prioritizing safety for both the gorillas and our team.
After a heavy rain that day, the group calmed down, and we prepared for a second assessment. I had my tranquilizer dart ready, but Gicurasi, one of the silverbacks, grew suspicious as he noticed the trackers following Infura. He suddenly charged and bit one of our best trackers, Jean Bosco Ntirenganya, on the shoulder.
Jean Bosco, a highly skilled member of the DFGFI team, received immediate first aid from myself, the late Dr Mike, and Elisabeth. We quickly discussed the situation and decided to withdraw to avoid further stress or injury. Four trackers were assigned to observe the group from a distance and report back on where the gorillas would nest for the night.
The incident had visibly distressed the group. Trackers later observed several gorillas trying to help Infura remove the rope, but their attempts only frightened him more and worsened his condition.
Although gorillas are generally gentle animals, they can become aggressive when protecting their group and responding to perceived threats. This behavior is especially challenging in larger groups that include multiple silverbacks — sometimes as many as five — making interventions more complex and risky. I contacted the late Dr. Tony, Head veterinarian at RDB to discuss our plan. We all agreed to postpone the intervention again, to prevent further incident and avoid putting our team at risk.
Thankfully, Jean Bosco recovered well and was taken to the hospital for proper medical care.
The next day, the group had spread out. Infura was with his mother Ishema, and another female, both staying close to Gicurasi, the silverback. Though Infura managed to move and feed, it was clear he was in pain. The rope had tightened, causing visible swelling. Every time it caught on vegetation, Infura screamed in pain, while Ishema remained by his side, guiding and supporting him. Gicurasi remained tense, often grunting at trackers. Cantsbee, the dominant silverback, was not nearby at the time.
Eventually, with the continued collaboration and support by trackers, we were able to conduct a successful intervention and remove the snare.
Each year on July 31st, OHAC/Gorilla Health joins the global community in celebrating World Ranger Day — a day dedicated to honoring the dedication and bravery of trackers and rangers who support our work with endangered mountain gorillas and captive gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
This day carries particular significance in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where more than 150 park rangers have lost their lives while protecting wildlife and natural heritage.
Dr. Jean Felix Kinani Sangwa, who has worked closely with many of these courageous individuals, reflects on their vital role:
“Park Trackers are not only guardians of national parks and biodiversity; they are also the first to detect early signs of illness in wildlife — especially gorillas — allowing timely intervention and treatment by us, mountain gorillas doctors.”
By Dr Jean Felix Kinani Sangwa – One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health
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You can contact our organization via by email: info@gorillahealth.org/ ohac2004@gmail.com
www.gorillahealth.org – Tel: 0788640986
BY DR. JEAN FELIX KINANI SANGWA
One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health
