For the first time, women have taken up the most dangerous job in wildlife, becoming para-military rangers at the Virunga National Park in DR Congo. Virunga is Africa's oldest national park and home to over 200 of the world's 800 remaining mountain gorillas.
Francine and Solange sit on the crest of the volcano, which is fogged over. When clear, the lava lake is visible.For the first time, women have taken up the most dangerous job in wildlife, becoming para-military rangers at the Virunga National Park in DR Congo.
Rangers-in-Training rehearse military drills in the savannah. Virunga's park guards responsibilities eclipse those of a typical park guard as the area is known to have incidents with local rebel groups.
A silverback gorilla lounges below a tree in Virunga's National Park.
Rangers-in-Training present themselves to the commanding officer each morning.
Female Rangers-in-Training complete the obstacle course, and each rangers time is posted in the mess hall.
Rangers-in-Training must complete personal training and exercises every day.
Solange washes clothing during a rainstorm in front of the room she shares with Solange. The house also has apartments for ranger's families.
In the evening, Rangers-in-Training dance and sing before going to bed in the all female dorm. For the first time, women have taken up the most dangerous job in wildlife, becoming para-military rangers at the Virunga National Park in DR Congo.
After seeing the gorilla's, Aline and the crew prepare to leave the jungle.
Aline, along with other rangers and park staff visit the gorilla's in the parks Mikeno sector. Mt. Mikeno can be seen in the distance.
Francine during the patrol up the sides of the volcano.
Solange and Francine prepare the rudimentary huts located on the crest of the volcano for the nights camp.
After dark, the lava lake is visable though the fog. Virunga is Africa's oldest national park and home to over 200 of the world's 800 remaining mountain gorillas. For two decades it has been at the centre of a war. Hundreds of rebels operate in the park and over 150 park rangers have died protecting it from them.
After dark, a meal is cooked.
A mother gorilla watches after her child in the Mikeno sector of Virunga National Park.
The rangers reach Bukima camp after a four hour hike. For the first time, women have taken up the most dangerous job in wildlife, becoming para-military rangers at the Virunga National Park in DR Congo.
Aline and Mt Mikeno.
Francine and Solange rest during the patrol.
In the morning the rangers prepare to leave the crest.
Solange on the patrol down from the volcano. For the first time, women have taken up the most dangerous job in wildlife, becoming para-military rangers at the Virunga National Park in DR Congo.
Solange washes Francine' and her uniforms and gear after a patrol in front of the room she shares with Solange. The house also has apartments for ranger's families.
On Solange's bed is a radio and a gun. The girls sleep with their rifles as they are trained to do.
Solange during the morning flag raising and park meeting.
Francine prepares for her next shift patrolling the lodge by changing from her sandals to her boots.
After church services, the rangers have the rest of the day off to listen to music and roam around the park. Francine visits the gorilla cemetery.
Rangers-in-Training rehearse military drills in the savannah. Virunga's park guards responsibilities eclipse those of a typical park guard as the area is known to have incidents with local rebel groups.
Rangers-in-Training during military style drills in the savannah. Patrols can last up to 6 hours in the scorching heat. Virunga's park guards responsibilities eclipse those of a typical park guard as the area is known to have incidents with local rebel groups.
Rangers-in-Training during military style drills in the savannah. Patrols can last up to 6 hours in the scorching heat. Virunga's park guards responsibilities eclipse those of a typical park guard as the area is known to have incidents with local rebel groups.
Rangers-in-Training during military style drills in the savannah. Patrols can last up to 6 hours in the scorching heat. Virunga's park guards responsibilities eclipse those of a typical park guard as the area is known to have incidents with local rebel groups.
Rangers-in-Training returning to camp after a 4 hour patrol through the savannah. Virunga's park guards responsibilities eclipse those of a typical park guard as the area is known to have incidents with local rebel groups.
Rangers-in-Training during several of the classes they are required to take. This session is on first aid and saving a fellow ranger.
Rangers-in-Training must complete personal training and exercises every day.
Female Rangers-in-Training complete the obstacle course, and each rangers time is posted in the mess hall.
Female rangers wait before being served their meal of rice and beans, which they receive up to two times a day.
The sun goes down at the Ishango camp for Rangers-in-Training.
