I was born in Rumangabo, Virunga’s HQ on 28th August 1979. I am married to Beatrice Vumiliya and we have a son named Jonathan.

My career as a Ranger started in 2003 but I was actually introduced to environmental conservation from a very young age. My father was a Gorilla Guide for tourists back in the good days when we had tourism in Virunga. I remember I would always rush out from school so that I could see and follow the tourists. This is how I got my nickname “Touriste”.

My father could talk for hours about amazing gorilla stories, buffalo encouters… you name it. All this is what made me absolutely want to become a Ranger in ICCN. I was so proud of my father that at all costs I wanted to be just like him. He loved his job, and I dreamed about having the same job as him night after night.

Love and loyalty are two principles that I have inherited from my father – and both help me to overcome difficulties and challenges. I don’t think I could have possibly had a better life elsewhere, than right here, being a Ranger and working in conservation in Virunga.