It is hard to imagine that humans would allow these magnificent creatures to become endangered. Shockingly, humans are not only allowing it to happen, they are the number one reason that mountain gorillas are fighting for their survival. Issues like war, habitat destruction and weak law enforcement in the Congo area put mountain gorillas in great danger. For over 20 years, a horrible civil war has ravaged the area where mountain gorillas live. It all started when two tribes, the Tutsi and the Hutu, began fighting for power over Rwanda. It is estimated that up to 1,000,000 people, half of which were children, were killed in this war. Additionally, rangers from Virunga National Park claim at least 15 gorillas were killed due to violence in the park and countless other gorillas were killed in unprotected areas. Another major threat to the well-being of mountain gorillas is habitat loss. The forests where mountain gorillas dwell are also rich with resources such as oil, trees (used to build homes and make charcoal), coltan (a mineral used in making cell phones), and rich, fertile soil that can be used by local people for farming. Humans have not only destroyed precious mountain gorilla habitat, they have also set illegal traps to catch animals for their meat and illegal pet trade. Many gorillas have been caught in these traps and have been killed and sold as bushmeat. Orphaned mountain gorillas are illegally sold as “adorable” pets. It is difficult for the government and park rangers to catch these illegal poachers due to lack of funding and resources and an unstable government. While the mountain gorillas certainly are facing numerous challenges, there is still hope, and it lies with you and me.