Mountain gorillas have recovered from the brink of extinction through intensive protection — welfare remains complex.
Mountain gorilla welfare is intimately linked to conservation success — the species has recovered through extraordinary protective effort. However, the welfare dimensions of this recovery include disease transmission risks from habituated gorillas encountering tourists, the stress of human proximity even for habituated groups, and the disruption caused by poaching activity in remaining habitat. Tourism, while funding protection, requires careful management to minimize welfare impacts. The rangers who protect gorillas also face significant welfare costs — in a context where conservation requires human sacrifice.