Viewers in tears over ‘heartbreaking’ Primates scene

More than 180 rangers have been killed while protecting the gorillas

Viewers of BBC Primates were left heartbroken by a scene in which a park ranger recalls the moment his brother died trying to protect gorillas from poachers.

Deputy chief ranger for Virunga National Park, Innocent Mburanumwe followed his dad, brother and uncle, to dedicate his life to looking after primates.

“I lost one of my family, my brother was killed in the line of duty,” Innocent explained.

Innocent’s brother was one of more than 180 rangers that have been killed while protecting the gorillas.

Since the BBC finished filming, a further 13 park rangers have lost their lives.

Viewers quickly took to social media after the programme to praise Innocent for his bravery.

“Seeing conservation success during such conflict and destruction is outstanding” commented one fan. “The Virunga rangers are truly heroes and should be so proud of the work they do day in, day out. #Primates #BBC1”

Another Twitter user added: “Great to see the amazing work of Innocent. And his team and the Orangutan caregivers to the backdrop of the horrific issues of the Gorillas being killed+all that forest being cleared. Sad so many rangers have lost their lives”.

“If one thing can come out of this horrendous time we find ourselves in, I hope it’s that we look after our planet better than we have done before”, added another fan. “Find myself welling up one minute, then laughing at those little characters the next. Such a lovely programme Smiling face with smiling eyes #Primates”.