Gorilla ecotourism generates critical conservation funding but requires careful management to minimize disease transmission, behavioral disruption, and chronic stress in habituated groups.
Habituation exposes gorillas to human diseases against which they have little immunity. COVID-19, influenza, and measles have caused outbreaks in habituated groups. The stress of habituation itself and ongoing human presence may alter cortisol levels and social dynamics. However, the revenue from well-managed tourism funds antipoaching, veterinary care, and community benefits that collectively protect far more gorilla welfare than would be achieved without it. Welfare-conscious tourism management means strict health screening for visitors, maintaining distance rules, capping group sizes, and investing in veterinary capacity.