Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio has helped raise $2 million to support Africa’s oldest nature reserve, the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is home to the critically-endangered mountain gorilla.
Virunga faces an uncertain future due to the impact of the current coronavirus pandemic, which has forced the park to close to tourists since March.
“We have never been more worried about the future of Virunga National Park,” said park director Emmanuel De Merode. “Virunga’s rangers are racing against the clock to protect both the local communities that surround the park and the endangered mountain gorilla population from these twin threats.”
In April, the park suffered another devastating setback when suspected members of a Rwandan militia group murdered 12 rangers, a driver, and four members of the local community.
The Virunga Fund is a collaboration between Earth Alliance — which is co-founded by Hollywood star and activist DiCaprio — Global Wildlife Conservation, Emerson Collective, and the European Commission created to support urgent conservation efforts to help ensure the park’s survival, the wellbeing of the communities that surround it, and the prosperity of the families of rangers who tragically lost their lives while protecting vulnerable at-risk animals.
“I had the great honor of meeting and supporting Virunga’s courageous team in their fight against illegal oil drilling in 2013,” said DiCaprio. “Virunga urgently needs funds to protect the endangered mountain gorilla population, to provide support to the rangers and the families of rangers who have tragically fallen in the line of duty, and to help deliver essential disease prevention efforts. It’s critical that we rally together during this time of incredible crisis.”
DiCaprio was an executive producer on the 2014 Oscar-nominated documentary VIRUNGA, which takes an intimate look at the threats the national park, as well as the people who diligently protect the environment and its animals, face on a daily basis.
A very big thank you!
It’s about time DiCaprio did something beyond running his mouth.
HOPE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS MAKE A GREAT COME BACK & GET THE SPACE THEY NEED TO LIVE & PROSPER.
The wicked, one day, won’t have the benefits God gives them everyday for life.
I’m so glad that someone has stepped up to help these animals
Mr Dicaprio: Thank you so much! It would be easy for you to ignore something like this, but you really are impressive!
I love all of these wonderful happy ending stories but my absolute favorite of all was the one of Elijah, the pit bull and former bait dog who was adopted into a wonderful loving home in Florida! Thank you so much for giving him the home that he deserved to have so much after living such a nightmare for who knows how long! I wish all of them could have such a beautiful ending to their lives! God bless you and Elijah! May he live out the rest of his days in happiness and love and I know now that he will!
I heard it’s a scam…..hes taking the money…..please look into this!
Really? — He created a not-for-profit Company to help in these matters — I do not know Leonardo personally, but what could be his motive, besides the usual of “gaining money?” — Also, do you have any reason to believe he’s a scammer? — did you see or read anything? — Please inform — thank you, Tamra.
I wouldn’t trust DiCaprio as far as I could throw him.
I love Leonardo DiCaprio — THANK YOU a MILLION times — these Mountain Gorillas desperately need help and here you are — you are the best — thank you for your rationality, your compassion, your mercy, your understanding.
That Leo is a good egg!! Too bad more celebs couldn’t help animals.
What big heart he has. Thanku. I hope they caught those murdering bastards.
What beautiful heart and soul. Thank you so much.
God bless him he has a big heart ♥️
i guess there is little government help… these militia men are blood thirsty , barbaric jungle low life
they need to be hunted by a strong gov and neutralized
I noticed that some of you people out there couldn’t help insulting the guy. I was just trying to figure out why because what he did sure sez alot about him! I guess some people just have to bitch! Thanx Leo. D…nicely done man!
Thank you Leonardo for helping to raise the money for Gorillas also the park director the rangers and the drivers.. More celebs should come forward in support of animals.
moche
Thank you Mr DiCaprio, one classy, smart man you are!!! xx
Så bra
Hommage a Leonardo qui bien que tres grande star possede une tres belle ame, oh combien nous serions heureux si notre monde avait en son sein des hommes comme lui
Good luck, Leonardo. Gorilla deserve it.