Mountain and eastern lowland gorillas face severe welfare threats from habitat destruction, poaching, disease transmission from humans, and civil conflict in their range countries.
Gorilla welfare is deeply rooted in family integrity. Gorilla groups are led by a silverback male who maintains social order, and the death of a silverback causes profound disruption — females and juveniles scatter or are absorbed by other groups under stress. Orphaned infants who witness the killing of their family experience acute psychological trauma that rehabilitation centers must work for years to address. Disease transmission from humans represents a growing threat as conservation-related human presence increases near gorilla habitat. Maintaining strict health protocols for researchers and tourists protects gorilla welfare while enabling the conservation activities that sustain their populations.