Poacher Who Stabbed One of the World’s Most Famous Silverback Gorillas to Death Is Jailed for 11 Years

Despite its barbaric practice, hunting is still very much a popular sport and way too many animals are unnecessarily killed because of it.

But Africa is sadly the world’s hotspot for hunting and poaching.

And its native animals, such as elephants, lions, zebras, and antelopes, are ruthlessly killed every year to simply become a trophy for the hunter.

Their numbers have fallen from as many as ten million a hundred years ago to as few as 400,000 today.

Many argue that trophy hunting is actually saving wildlife…

But we all know that killing wild animals for sport is not good for “conservation”… at all.

Why can’t people just leave these beautiful wild animals alone?!

Devastating news came in last month that a world-famous gorilla has just lost his life after being “speared” by hunters.

The gentle giant was a favorite of tourists who spent the majority of his life in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This group was described as habituated, meaning that its members were used to human contact.

And for years now, people from all around the world have been traveling to Uganda to get a glimpse of these majestic creatures.

A search party found his body the following day.

And according to National Geographic, the spear penetrated as deep as his internal organs.

And Rafiki did not deserve to die.

And the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has described Rafiki’s death as a “very big blow.”

“The death of Rafiki leaves the group unstable and there is the possibility that it could disintegrate,” Bashir Hangi from the UWA told the BBC. “It has no leadership at this time and it could be taken over by a wild silverback.”

Rangers tracked a suspect to a nearby village, where he was allegedly found with bushmeat as well as snares, a spear, and bells to be strapped to the collars of hunting dogs. He admitted that he and 3 others had been hunting antelope in the park and that he killed Rafiki in self-defense after the animal attacked.

And many have been expressing their anger over the people who are responsible for this cold-blooded killing.

The poacher responsible for Rafiki’s death, Felix Byamukama, has been jailed.

He was also found in possession of several hunting devices including a spear and rope, discovered during a search of his home.

“We are all relieved that Rafiki has received justice and this should serve as an example to other people who kill wildlife,” said wildlife official Sam Mwandha following the announcement.

Keep scrolling to read about the dogs who have been specially trained to protect wildlife from poachers…