Five Park rangers died at the hands of armed assailants at the Upemba National Park, in Lusinga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Thursday.
The African Security Analysis reported ten park staff members went missing.
Five are reportedly safe at Likasi and Mitwaba, but the situation at the Lusinga remains critical.
The Park’s headquarters were burnt down, with supplies looted, such as operational equipment, logistical supplies and other.
Ranger organisations across the world have expressed shock and disappointment.
The Frankfurt Zoological Society said it is saddened and shocked.
The Game Rangers’ Association of Africa (GRAA) described the attack, as “tragic and devastating.”
The GRAA said the incident is “yet another reminder that many rangers are no longer working in conventional conservation environments. Across parts of Africa and beyond, rangers increasingly operate in landscapes affected by armed groups, organised criminal networks, and political instability. These realities place rangers on dangerous frontlines that extend far beyond wildlife protection.”
Picture: Supplied