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I have lots of important news to tell you. My bosses at the Congolese Wildlife Authority (ICCN) have decided to move me for a short period to Lulimbi park station. This is still in Virunga National Park, about 3 hours by boat across Lake Edward. If you go to this map, and head south/south-west from Ishango you will see it. Right next to Uganda. So why the move? Well the Rangers are short staffed at present in Lulimbi, and need urgent assistance with anti-poaching patrols. My bosses decided I was the most appropriate one for the job. In Lulimbi there is fantastic wildlife as much of it is returning to Congo over the border from Uganda. But poaching is a significant problem too. I have just been sent these 2 photos below which are pretty grim of poached elephants. It was the military who killed them. So we need to reinforce the area and prevent these atrocities. My experience and successes in Ishango will help.
Who will replace me during my absence? Godefroid Wambale, whom you all know. He returned only recently from studying in Tanzania, and will be excellent for my job. Regarding donations, please keep the donations coming. We still need the same funds for the work to go on - the patrols, the salaries for the Rangers, the rations - all of it. The monthly salary of $150 that I used to receive from donations will temporarily go to Godefroid, and he will continue to provide information on this blog. I will try also to provide you with updates from Lulimbi, but there is no internet access there and it is very remote so that is going to be difficult. I cannot reiterate enough how much your support has meant to me over the past year and few months. This has been such an amazing experience. Finally, I would like to thank Nancy from the Alexander Abraham Foundation for the recent $5,000 donation. So so generous. This will make a big difference to anti-poaching patrols in Ishango. Godefroid will provide details of how this money is being spent. Thank you everyone. Atamato.
14 Comments posted on "Saving elephants & other wildlife in Lulimbi"
Theresa Siskind St Petersburg FL on April 25th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Atamato, we are going to miss you. I know Godefroid will do his very best in your absence. Take care and stay safe.
Sherri S. on April 25th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Yes, we will miss you, Atamato! Take care, and try to stay in touch!
sheryl, washington dc on April 25th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I will miss you, Atamato. Be safe while you’re in Lulimbi. I’m confident that you’ll get the poaching problem under control and be back in Ishango. Will your family accompany you? Looking forward to hearing from Godefroid, too. Take care! s.
Will on April 26th, 2008 at 12:45 am
Bonne chance rafiki yango.
Pirjo,Finland on April 26th, 2008 at 5:57 am
Take care Atamato and all the luck and success in Lulimbi.
Somba on April 26th, 2008 at 6:02 am
Atamato, Really your personnal effort for Ishango conservation was visible!!! Go a head and as French man says “Nos pas, suivent nos traces”. Somba
Samantha on April 26th, 2008 at 6:39 am
Good luck Atamato… I congratulate you on all you have achieved in wonderful Ishango. Such a beautiful place. Godefroid will be excellent I know and I look forward to monitoring progress there - and to your return!
Samantha on April 26th, 2008 at 6:40 am
Nancy - also thank you from me for your donation. That is most excellent and so very needed.
Atamato on April 26th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Thank you for your comments everyone. Mwanzo my wife is coming with me. My children will stay in Beni studying but I will see them during their holidays.
antonio canella italy on April 26th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Au revoir Atamato
Theresa Siskind St Petersburg FL on April 26th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Wonderful your wife will accompany you, it never hurts to have a little extra moral support!
Linda, G4G, UK on May 1st, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Good luck in Lulimbi Atamato. Take great care as we both know it is so isolated. You’ve done a great job at Ishango! Hoping to hear from you at some point in the near future.
Virginia on May 13th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Wende muzuri Atamato, we will miss your stories. Big welcome to Gode. Thank you guys for all your work!
Atamato madrandele on May 17th, 2008 at 11:21 am
SISKIND; You will not miss you, it is only for short time.Ones I will be equiped, you will be reading me about lulimbi fauna.so I am still happy of your kindness. SHERRI: SHERYL: WILL: PIRJO: SOMBA: SAMANTHA: ANTONIA: THERESA: LINDA: Post a comment
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