Patience Dusabimana

Dusabimana was born in 1975 in Kinigi, where he still lives with his family, including 3 children. As a child he attended home schools and is currently pursuing a degree in public administration at Musanze University.

Involvement in Conservation and Tourism

His interest in conservation was sparked when, as a young child on a school outing to climb Mount Bisoke, his teacher explained park challenges and how the park could be part of the solution. After high school, and the 1994 genocide, Dusabimana looked for an opportunity to work for the park so he could affect change in the park system for conservation as well as the protection of wildlife, above all, the gorillas. He began officially working with the park in 1999, initially as a ranger. Currently he operates as a gorilla guide.

His Achievement

Dusabimana is proud of the work he has done in the park, particularly his efforts to rescue gorillas from poachers. Working with colleagues, he helped habituate the Amahoro group, which he enjoys visiting with tourists today. Over the years, despite the personal danger that it represented, he has rescued several gorillas from snares, sometimes even during tours.

He recalls, "When I see Mararo in Hirwa group today, I feel happy. It has been the thing that has made me most happy. To save the life of a gorilla, and see the gorilla grow each day, its like seeing my own child grow. This led me to find out why people set snares and I am working hard, every day, to be part of finding a solution to human-wildlife conflicts."

His message to the world

"Our life as human beings depends of fauna and flora. I wish all of us would make an extra effort, in our own capacities, to protect and conserve these endangered species, so that tomorrow they do not become extinct. And who is to blame if they do? All of us."

"When I look straight into their eyes, all the time, I see them calling for those people with love and passion, to help them survive. The time that baby gorilla was in a snare, she was calling for help. The whole group was devastated. And I could see them asking why..why... why.and why all these snares? Where shall we go? Our home has become a poaching ground. Her call is forever stuck in my mind. And believe me, all the time, I hear them asking that question. My wish is for you and I can answer that question, or at least be part of solving it."

His Dream

"My dream is to be one of the actors that will change the conservation situation and protection of wildlife. Most of all, I hope to answer the questions gorillas have. Namely to have a home we all wish we could: a good atmosphere free from poachers, protecting their habitats, and ensuring their growth and survival."