Ugandan court slams poacher with 11 years of jail time for killing rare gorilla Rafiki

In a rare feat, a poacher has been sentenced to 11 years of imprisonment on charges of killing a rare silverback gorilla in Uganda. According to international media reports, gorilla named Rafiki (which means friend in local language) was part of famous Nkuringo gorilla group that lives in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

As per reports, animal was found missing on June 1 and its body was found next day inside park. Rafiki was highly popular among tourists and his mysterious death is reported to have caused an uproar in Uganda.

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Felix arrested in possession with illegal meat

As per reports, postmortem investigation revealed that Rafiki was injured by a sharp object in  abdomen which led to internal organ injuries. authorities said that poacher, Byamukama Felix, was arrested after a few days and was found in possession of illegal meat and several hunting devices.

report ded that Felix was found guilty on various charges which include killing gorilla, entering protected area, and being in possession of illegal meat. 

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Rafiki receives justice

poacher is reported to have claimed that he killed Rafiki in self-defense as he went with a group to hunt in park and suddenly came across group of gorillas. He claimed that silverback attacked him and he speared it in defence.

As per reports, three or men were also arrested with Felix and are awaiting trial as y have pleed not guilty. Sam Mwandha, Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is reported to have welcomed court's decision and said that Rafiki has received justice.

Uganda Wildlife Authority has stated that when Rafiki died, Nkuringo group h 17 gorillas. As per reports, silverback was dominant male in group which included three blackbacks, eight ult females, two juveniles, and three infants. 

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