Primates

Mountain Gorilla Welfare: Conservation Success and Ongoing Threats

Mountain gorillas are the only great ape whose population is increasing, but individuals still face welfare harms from snares and human disease.

Key Facts

Mountain gorilla populations have grown from 620 in 2008 to over 1,000 today
They are limited to Virunga Volcanoes and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in central Africa
Snares set for other animals regularly injure and kill gorillas
Gorillas are highly susceptible to human respiratory diseases including COVID-19
Intense conservation effort involving rangers and veterinary teams protects each individual

Welfare Considerations

Mountain gorillas represent a remarkable conservation success but each individual still faces welfare challenges. Snare injuries require veterinary intervention that is not always possible in remote terrain. Respiratory disease spread by rangers and tourists has caused deaths in gorilla groups. Conservation success requires ongoing welfare vigilance for each of the 1,000 individuals. The Gorilla Doctors program represents a welfare-integrated conservation model.

What You Can Do

Donate to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and Gorilla Doctors programs
Support the International Gorilla Conservation Programme ranger programs
Advocate for snare removal patrols in gorilla habitat
Never visit gorillas when you have symptoms of respiratory illness
Choose tourism operators that follow strict health protocols around mountain gorillas