ENDANGERED: Fine Art & Photography Contest 2017 Submission.

Wisdom by Margaret Strong. All Rights Reserved.

I manage a non-profit child sponsorship program in Rwanda, Africa. Through my annual trips from Washington State to Rwanda, I became increasingly aware of the indigenous animals of Africa and started studying the endangered Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda. For the past several years, it has been my dream to visit these amazing creatures, as there are a small number remaining in the wild. Visiting the gorillas was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. They are family natured, gentle and caring toward one another, inquisitive, and open to visitors. The pictures in my portfolio embody the personality of this gentle troupe Mahoro, meaning ‘grace’ in Kinyarwanda - the gentle but giant silverback, his young male offspring, several female wives, and a curious infant all took careful note of me, the visitor. They inspired me, increased my love for them, and enhanced my understanding and appreciation for this country and the children our sponsorship program serves.

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