27 Oct 2008

Gorilla park captured by rebel forces

10:32 am on 27 October 2008

Rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo have captured a national park where gorillas live.

Forces loyal to renegade General Laurent Nkunda have been fighting government troops in the east of the country.

The United Nations says the rebels have captured the headquarters of Virunga National Park and a nearby army camp.

The ABC reports the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where 200 of the last 700 mountain gorillas in the world, are found.

It is reported that 50 rangers have fled the park. Last year the gorillas living there were attacked repeatedly and at least 10 were killed.

The park lies on the border with Rwanda and Uganda.