Save Hippopotamuses from Anthrax in Virunga Park

General Context

Virunga, one of Africa’s most biodiverse parks, is facing a severe crisis. More than fifty hippopotamuses have been found dead in the waters of Lake Edward, victims of anthrax contamination. This deadly disease, caused by Bacillus anthracis, affects both wildlife and people, creating a major health risk in a region already strained by insecurity.

2. Problem Statement

The emergence of anthrax cases within the park’s ecosystems poses an immediate threat:

• to wildlife species already under pressure,
• to nearby communities exposed to contamination,
• and to the ecological balance of Lake Edward, essential for the survival of thousands of families.

Armed conflict in some areas of the park complicates interventions, slows down the removal of carcasses, and increases the danger of further spread.

3. Project Objectives

In response to this emergency, the project aims to:

• Quickly remove contaminated hippopotamuses and ensure safe burial procedures.
• Prevent the spread of anthrax across critical zones of the park.
• Raise awareness among local communities about health risks, the dangers of bushmeat, and protective measures.
• Work with local partners to strengthen prevention and response capacities.
• Secure long-term protection for Virunga’s wildlife and the families who depend on it.

4. Total Budget

The estimated cost of responding effectively to this crisis is USD 150,000.
To date, USD 76 has been raised through our collaboration with GlobalGiving, a first step that encourages us and gradually brings us closer to our goal.
(The detailed budget is available upon request.)

5. Current Progress

• Identification of trainers, field teams, and community participants is underway.
• Mapping of contaminated areas around Lake Edward has already begun.
• Initial awareness efforts have reached several nearby families.
• Full implementation is scheduled for November 2025, once the teams are trained and fully equipped.

6. Collaboration with GlobalGiving

Our partnership with GlobalGiving strengthens the visibility of this project, improves transparency, and opens access to a global network of committed donors.
Thanks to this collaboration, we are confident that the financial goal will be reached and that the planned activities will be carried out at the scale required.

7. Expected Impact

This project will have lasting benefits for:

• the protection of hippopotamuses and other threatened species in the park,
• reducing the risk of human contamination,
• stabilizing the Lake Edward ecosystem,
• preventing future wildlife and human outbreaks,
• and building strong local capacity in health and environmental management.

Your support will help prevent further animal deaths, protect thousands of people, and safeguard one of the last major hippo populations in Africa.

8. Call to Donors

We issue an urgent appeal to all donors, organizations, and friends of Virunga:
Every contribution matters.
Your support can save lives, prevent an ecological disaster, and strengthen health security for communities living around the park.
By helping this project, you become a key actor in protecting Congo’s natural heritage.

9. Acknowledgements

We extend our sincere gratitude to the donors who have already contributed.
Your support reflects a valuable commitment to nature, wildlife protection, and the well-being of local communities.
We also thank GlobalGiving for its collaboration and the trust placed in our mission.