Protector of vast African park shot and wounded

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — A Belgian royal who, as director of a vast national park in eastern Congo has defended endangered mountain gorillas and other animals from poachers and the forests from illegal logging, was shot and seriously wounded as he drove through the park, officials said Wednesday.

A park spokeswoman said Emmanuel de Merode, who is the chief warden of Virunga National Park, appeared to have been targeted but wouldn’t say by whom. The list of potential suspects includes members of outlawed armed groups that roam the park, Africa’s oldest.