Congo Rainforest

Drip. Drip. Drop. That’s the sound of raindrops falling from my millions of big green leaves after a warm rain. Can you hear the chirps and whistles of birds hiding high up in my branches? A quiet hum buzzes all around, from tiny insects busy at work in the flowers and soil. The air here is warm and steamy, like a big, gentle hug that makes you feel safe and cozy. If you look up, you will see my giant trees. Their tops are so high they almost touch the clouds, creating a green roof over everything. I am a huge, green, living blanket spread right across the heart of Africa, full of secrets and wonders. I am the Congo Rainforest. I have been here for a very, very long time, watching the world change while I stay green and full of life. It’s so lovely to meet you.

I am ancient, which means I am very, very old. I have been growing here for thousands of years, long before your grandparents’ grandparents were born. I have a very big family. My tallest family members are my trees, who stand like strong, quiet giants. My most colorful members are the bright flowers that peek out from the green leaves. And my liveliest family members are the animals. Shy okapis, with stripes on their legs like zebras, nibble on my leaves. Gentle gorillas and their families play in clearings, while strong forest elephants march through my paths. Clever chimpanzees swing from my vines, calling out to each other. They all depend on me for food and shelter. People have always been part of my family, too. The Baka and BaMbuti peoples have called me home for longer than anyone can remember. They know all my secrets, like which plants can be used for medicine and how to listen to the whispers of the wind through my leaves. Winding through my heart is the mighty Congo River. It moves like a giant, shimmering snake, giving water and life to everyone and everything here. A long, long time ago, explorers came from far away. They paddled down my river and walked my paths, their eyes wide with wonder. They had never seen a place so big, so green, and so full of amazing life.

I have a very important job to do for the whole world. Some people call me the “lungs of the Earth.” That’s because I breathe. I breathe in the old, tired air that people and machines make, and I breathe out fresh, clean oxygen that everyone needs to live. I am also like a giant library, but instead of books, my shelves are filled with living things. Scientists come here to discover new plants and animals they have never seen before. Sometimes, they find a special plant that can be used to make medicine to help sick people feel better. I am a treasure for everyone on the planet. By taking care of me, you help protect all my amazing animals and keep the world healthy and strong. I promise to keep growing and breathing for you, so we can all have a beautiful world to share.