Chimpanzee population under threat from Volcano

Volcanic eruption threatens rare chimpanzees in DR Congo

In the pre-dawn hours on Saturday, rangers at Virunga National Park were awoken by the sound of Mt. Nyamulagira erupting.

                                                                      Photo By: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davelau/

Located 16 miles from the eastern city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Virunga National Park is home to the largest remaining continuous population of chimpanzees in the world.



In addition, the park is home to the endangered mountain gorilla, hippopotamus, leopard and other animals. The gorilla's are said to be safe as they live further east and are not in direct threat from the eruption.



Virunga National Park Director Emmanuel de Merode said that park staff, working in conjunction with civilian and military authorities, have been mobilized and continue to assess the risks and take appropriate action.



At 10,023 feet, Mt. Nyamulagira is the most active volcano in ....

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