Comments on: Anderson’s View: Who murdered the mountain gorillas?

By: Michelle Fonthill Ont,Canada

Michelle Fonthill Ont,Canada — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:31:22 +0000

Dear Anderson
I can't believe that someone would kill these beautiful animals .I know they are just animals but they have no rtght to take a life no one cares about anything any more it's not fair these gorillas are just in thieir own natural habitat what did they ever do to any one?

Thank you for being such a caring reporter and working so hard to make sure everyone knows what's going on in the world!

Michelle D .

By: Becca

Becca — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:06:06 +0000

this is terrible. it truly makes me want to cry. i love all animals and have a deep affinity for great apes, especially gorillas, bonobos, and chimps. this is a murder in cold blood and is as cruel and callous as any killing splashed in homeland headlines.

people who can harm animals truly terrify and disgust me... the details of this story are shocking!

By: winarni ,indonesia

winarni ,indonesia — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:04:45 +0000

Unnecessary killing,and useless deforestation.Mr.Cooper please keep update this story and let the world know how bad the charcoal mafia is.

By: Sabrina in Los Angeles

Sabrina in Los Angeles — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:04:42 +0000

So sad.

Human aren't living in balance with nature, they are destroying it...and for what end? That stupid stuff called money. Not to better the world but to gain greenbacks and "lift" themselves while shoving others down.

These poor animals are just living their lives and Humans mess it up for them.

Sad.

By: Rose

Rose — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:56:31 +0000

Hi Anderson,

Thanks for the reporting on these precious gorillas. Your stories are so important. You tell it like it is. Please keep telling people about these tragedies. What can one do to help?

By: Fred Childs

Fred Childs — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:49:30 +0000

The gorillas were murdered? I thought the definition of murder was the unlawful killing of a human being, is it not? I, too, as others, detest the slaughter, the killing, the massacre of these majestic animals, but I would refrain from calling it murder. Is what you're saying, then, that the senseless killing, slaughter, or massacre of any animal on this planet is to be called murder?

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:35:16 +0000

Well Anderson, the answer is no one. It's impossible to murder an animal.

This story is important enough to stand on it's own merit without journalistic sensationalism. These animals were illegally killed and it's an awful tragedy and hopefully the men responsible will meet justice, but the fact is there is no "murder" here.

By: CHERYL

CHERYL — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:35:15 +0000

This is so sad....
I see this as people walking into someones home and killing a family.
I can't understand the evil in them to be able to look at this family
and kill them.....
I just wish that peace would become more popular than evil and killing of animals that never did anything to anyone else were left to thier lives.

Anderson, keep up the good work that you do.....

Cheryl....Indiana

By: Shevonna

Shevonna — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:03:51 +0000

Hello Anderson!
I'm so sad to hear about that family of gorillas. I don't understand how some people think money is more important than lives. Even though they are animals, they have just as every right to live just like the rest of us. Isn't it enough that they're destroying their homes? After trees are gone, what's next? They need to stop and look at their actions. I just hope it doesn't happen again.

Thanks for reporting on this story. Much love to you and all of your hard work on reporting stories that matter!!!

By: Mitchell Douglasville, Ga.

Mitchell Douglasville, Ga. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:41:02 +0000

Anderson this was a good story! Great news reporting from lots of hard work and research.

This bring me to another totally different point to report new 24-7 365 days per year pushes both CNN and FOX to a foul stench on some new items. This type story is far more new worthy than a General's statement resulting in getting opinions on Patriotism and the price of gas: What matters to you?

Guy's it's about time to stop creating news, I also send this to FOX but they were to chicken to post.

Where is the Indian when the station signed off are start doing your homework are air the above new report several times a day.

By: Jolene

Jolene — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:15:54 +0000

Anderson: How distressing this story is. It's hard to believe that people would disregard the life of these amazing animals for something as simple as charcoal. The terror they experienced that day was so unnecessary. I was also very touched by the honor and respect they were given for their burials.

I give my utmost respect to the rangers who take protecting these animals to heart. Kudos out to the U.N. for making sure the rangers are protected also.

Thanks for the update and looking forward to the interview.

Jolene, St. Joseph, MI

By: Eve, Long Island

Eve, Long Island — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:00:03 +0000

Whether its charcoal in the Congo, diamonds in Sierra Leone, or soybeans in the Amazon, consumers are, unfortunately, unaware of the death and destruction that coincides with the products we buy. Boycotts are a good start and they can be organized by governments as well as individuals.

Anderson, I am glad that you are telling stories that need to be told…and Africa has untold amounts of sorrow, past and present.

By: jackie Chino Hills, CA

jackie Chino Hills, CA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:53:38 +0000

and we thank them dearly =) this story needs to be told and hopefully it will be a nice length of a segment. hehe, bad english sorry.

By: Jo Ann, North Royalton, Ohio

Jo Ann, North Royalton, Ohio — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:53:27 +0000

Anderson,

The mountain gorillas have always had a place in my heart, so I was devastated when I heard about the senseless murders of the Rugendo Family in July of 2007 and the earlier murder of a female from the Kabirizi Family in June. I have been following this terrible story ever since.

It is such a tragedy that these innocent creatures are being used as political pawns by these warring forces.

It was very troubling to read Mark Jenkins’ extensive, but thorough article about the murders and the politics behind them. Brent Stirton’s photographs are breathtaking; I hope everyone takes the time to read it. There is also a video and photo gallery on the “National Geographic” website in conjunction with the cover story.

I am very saddened that these poor creatures remain in such terrible danger because of the selfishness of humans. I hope that you will continue to monitor their plight.

I am anxious to see tonight’s report.

Jo Ann
North Royalton, Ohio

By: Mary H. St. Louis, MO

Mary H. St. Louis, MO — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:36:18 +0000

Wow, illegal charcoal trade. I have never heard of that. Why is it in so demand there, is this the only thing they have to produce? I'm guessing that maybe this is the only means to cook anything and therefore is in big demand. Ok, can't wait to see the story tonight to gain more insight.

I enjoy the planet in peril segments. I'm glad someone is focusing on this. There are just so many domestic issues (economy, the war, housing mess, etc etc) that this helps to keep focus on even bigger more global issues that are out there.

By: Lori, Boston

Lori, Boston — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:33:33 +0000

Hi Anderson,

I'm so glad you're having this story on your show. This is so sad and disturbing. I loved the piece you did on the mountain gorillas when you were in the Congo. They are a fascinating and intelligent animal.

By: Paula, Colorado

Paula, Colorado — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:33:02 +0000

Anderson,
Hi.
I remember your earlier reports from Congo–the killing of the gorillas is very tragic. I'm glad progress has been made in finding who was responsible–and why it occurred–though the loss is irreversible.
It's great to see your writing on this tonight–I look forward to your interview later.

By: Sharon from Indy

Sharon from Indy — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:21:21 +0000

Anderson:
As more and more resources are depleted or discovered in developing nations, I believe the gems of nature will be in jeopardy. As said in your blog, this time it was charcoal. What's next? It will probably be the oil in Africa.

Today's headlines speak of limited access to food in Africa, tomorrow's headlines will address clean drinking water; to many, aving the gorillas may seem foolish when children are dying and stomach's are empty.

This does not justify the killing of God's creatures for an illegal fuel trade. It just signifies a huge split between a genuine African culture and desperation for survival beyond our Western understanding.

Thank you for covering the gorillas in the Congo. The gorillas' eyes are haunting if not close to a human face. You have been able to send valuable humanitarian messages through your Planet in Peril documentaries.

By: Lorie Ann, Buellton, California

Lorie Ann, Buellton, California — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:19:46 +0000

Sometimes, there just aren't any words. This story is one of those times. It makes me wonder how some human beings can even face themselves in the mirror. Greed has swallowed them whole. How sad.

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.

By: Annie Kate

Annie Kate — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:12:17 +0000

I was appalled last year when these gorillas were killed. When I found out who was behind it, it was worse – someone that had supervised the effort to acclimatize the gorillas to humans and teach them to accept us as a non-danger turned on them viciously all for money....it was like abusing the trust of a child.

I'm looking forward to your interview Anderson.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL