Gorilla Doctors

Drs. Kirsten, Benard and Julius are in Kigali, Rwanda this week attending the launch workshop: “Strengthening One Health PPR in the Greater Virunga Landscape” project (PPR = (pandemic) Prevention, Preparedness & Response). This project is led by the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC) with support from the #PandemicFund. Our teams in all three countries are playing an integral role in strengthening capacity for zoonotic disease surveillance and response in the region.

When you're a baby mountain gorilla, every day is a good hair day 😎 Pictured: Umuhigo's baby of Igisha group, photographed by Dr. Adrien Emile NTWARI DVM, MsWC

Last week, Dr. Bukamba Nelson entered Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda to check on the 9 members of Nyakagezi group. During the observation period, #silverback Rukundo (pictured) was ranging at the edge of the group away from silverbacks Mark and Ndungutse amidst ongoing competition for group leadership. All members of the group demonstrated normal behavior and overall good health.

Following reports of a respiratory outbreak in Christmas group earlier this month, Dr. Nelson trekked into #Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to conduct a monitoring visit. #Silverback Christmas had been showing the most persistent symptoms but fortunately he has already started showing signs of improving. All of his activities are reported to be at normal levels. We will continue to closely monitor him to track his recovery.

On January 23, Dr. Cedric entered Virunga National Park's Mt. Tshiabirimu sector to check on the 4 members of Katsabara group. He observed them feeding and relaxing, with all 4 members appeared to be in good health. Pictured: silverback Katsabara

Bugi's baby was having a seriously good hair day when Dr. Fabrice checked on Kabare group last week in Kahuzi Biega National Park, DR Congo! Formed in April 2024, the group is currently comprised of 6 individuals: 1 silverback, 3 adult females, and 2 babies. All members of the group appear to be in good health.

At Gorilla Doctors we are on call 24/7, ready to respond to a gorilla health emergency, rain or shine. On this particular Sunday, January 19, we received an urgent call from park trackers who discovered an infant mountain gorilla caught in a snare. Drs. Gaspard and Adrien raced into the forest and up the mountain to an elevation of more than 8,500ft (~2,600m). The infant’s family, Hirwa group, had moved nearly 1,000ft (~300m) away and the infant was languishing in the snare, cold and exhausted... Read the full story on our blog!

Last chance to get the perfect #ValentinesDay gift for your gorilla-loving Valentine! Our limited edition shirt is available until tonight at float.org/gorilladoctors Pictured: One of our favorite photos taken by Dr. Ricky in 2016 during a health check on Kyaguliro group featuring juveniles from Mukiza and Kyaguliro groups hugging. During the visit, the two groups were feeding side by side prior to going their separate ways again peacefully. Mukiza group was formed in 2016 and has been led by silverback Mukiza ever since. Kyaguliro group is led by silverback Rukara.

Need a great idea for your a #ValentinesDay gift? These shirts would make the perfect gift for the animal lover in your life ~ each purchase helps raise funds for our work saving #endangered mountain and Grauer's gorillas: float.org/gorilladoctors Sales have been extended to tonight only! Help us reach $1K (we're SO CLOSE) 🦍

#MondayMood featuring silverback Nabanga ☹️ Only kidding! We're actually in a good mood 😀 because Dr. Lina reported that all 5 members of Nabanga group appear to be healthy. She recently had the chance to check on the group in Kahuzi Biega National Park, DR Congo.