Mountain Gorillas Safe From Devastating Brush Fires

Last Saturday, a brush fire which started at the border of Uganda and Rwanda in the Mufumbiro Mountains, quickly spread and forced the endangered population of gorillas to flee.

The region, which harbors 200 animal species, including the pygmy chimpanzee, commonly known as bonobo, is always at risk due to brush fires started by those who need to exploit the area for survival.  According to Uganda authorities, the fire that raged from Saturday on was indeed started by a farmer harvesting honey.

Due to a severe shortage in water, the fire could not be put out immediately and continued to rage until July 21.

Local authorities reported that the gorillas are safe.  

A huge relief since the population of mountain gorillas counts only about 700 individuals.