Congo Rainforest

Pitter-patter goes the rain on my big green leaves. Listen. Monkeys chatter high up in my branches, chitter-chatter, swing-swing-swing. I feel like a warm, green hug for so many little friends. I am full of cozy hiding spots and wonderful secrets that I keep safe under my tall, tall trees. I protect my friends from the hot sun and give them yummy fruits to eat. Hello there, little one. I am the Congo Rainforest, and I am so happy to meet you.

I am very, very old. I was born a long, long, long time ago. A big, shiny river flows right through my middle. It is called the Congo River. It twists and turns like a long, sparkly snake, giving all my plants a big drink of cool water. I have special friends who have lived with me for thousands of years, even before the year 1800. They are the BaMbuti, Baka, and Twa people. They know all my secret paths. They sing happy songs under my shady trees. They are my good friends who know how to live gently with me, and I love sharing my home with them.

I am a home for so many amazing animals. Shy okapis with stripy legs play hide-and-seek behind my bushes. Big, gentle gorillas munch on yummy green leaves all day long. So many colorful birds fly through my sky like flying rainbows. Chirp, chirp. I am also very important for the whole world. I am like the world’s big lungs. I breathe in the sleepy air and breathe out fresh, clean air for you to breathe. Whoosh. I love sharing my wonders, and when you help take care of me, you help take care of our wonderful world.