Protect humans, not just animals, bishop in Congo urges

August 08, 2011

After 3 people were severely wounded by aggressive monkeys in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a Catholic bishop there argued that government should protect human beings, not only rare species.

Bishop Joseph Mokobé spoke out after forest workers were attacked by a pack of rare Bonobo monkeys. Severely disfigured by the monkeys, who mutilated their faces, the workers were evacuated for medical treatment.

Recognizing that the Bonobo monkeys are a protested species, Bishop Mokobé pointed out that similar attacks had occurred in the past, and joined others in questioning whether forest workers were allowed to take adequate measures to protect themselves. While the government should protect natural resources, the bishop said, humans should always receive top consideration.

 

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Further information:

• A Congolese Bishop denounces the attacks on behalf of monkeys: "Protect humans not only nature"