Unsung Heroes - How to Help

The Heroes of Wildlife Conservation. What can you do from far away? Support legislation and politicians who are actually interested in wildlife protection, donate to organizations fighting poaching, and volunteer with conservation groups. More ideas.

For Rangers on the Front Lines of Anti-Poaching Wars, Daily Trauma
Unsung heroes face daunting challenges.
By Laurel Neme, for National Geographic

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARCO LONGARI, AFP/GETTY

In May 2008 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 80 Mai Mai militia ambushed a unit of 12 wildlife rangers on patrol near Rwindi in Virunga National Park, wounding Habimana Buzara in the leg as he covered their retreat.
The rangers watched helplessly as the rebel group—aiming to terrorize the unit—tortured their injured comrade and kicked him in the head until he died. They buried their friend later that day, and the next morning they were back at work.

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