Virunga Hippo Appeal
Monday 11 December 2006
As hippos continue to be slaughtered by rebel forces in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo, conservationists from ZSL working in the field estimate there could be just 100 left in the whole park.
© Graeme Thompson
Our appeal for donations has already raised vital funds to further equip and train the rangers who risk their lives daily to protect the wildlife in the Park. As the hippo population of Virunga dwindles, field workers anticipate rebels will turn their attentions to other wildlife and are still appealing for funds to ensure rangers are well prepared.
This Christmas, we’re encouraging animal lovers to think about buying an extra gift for the hippos. Your money could buy any of the following items:
- Food for a patrol ranger for a day: £1
- Army issue water bottle: £3
- Sleeping mat: £8
- Jungle boots for ranger: £15
- Waterproof patrol shelter: £20
- Patrol medical kits: £25
- Waterproof jacket: £30
- Full ranger uniform (trousers, shirt, beret): £35
- Patrol bicycle: £50
- Medical training course: £250
The money you donate to the ZSL conservation programme in Virunga will be spent on the ground on vital equipment for training and kitting out rangers who risk their lives to protect their native wildlife.
Read about the hippos plight and donate to the project here:
