Safeguarding the gorillas in Gabon with the help of tourists

A silverback gorilla in Loango National Park. Gabon authorities are reopening the western gorilla viewing activities in a bid to boost tourism. — AFP

Around a bend on a narrow trail that runs deep into the forest of Gabon’s Loango national park, Kamaya comes into view. The huge silverback gorilla coolly watches visitors arrive, then goes back to his meal.

Perched on a strong branch, the 150kg beast greedily pulls more leaves from the tree to his mouth with a slow but powerful movement before lumbering down the trunk. Soon he dozes off calmly.