I started working as a gorilla tracker in 1984 and five years later became a full-fledged ranger. At the moment, I am one of the rangers involved in the care of orphaned gorillas in Goma — mainly Mapendo, who is a lowland Grauers gorilla.

Being in charge of infant gorillas is an amazing task, even for those of us that are used to it. It is a lot like taking care of a human child. They need attention 24/7. The gorillas are doing very well and are happy, but in my heart I know that they would be a lot better if they were still in the wild with their own families.

In my spare time, I love to play football. I am a goalkeeper and used to have ambitions to play professionally. Now though, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.