Gorilla habituation for tourism and research has welfare implications for wild animals that need careful management to protect group stability and individual wellbeing.
Habituation causes short-term stress as gorillas adjust to human proximity. Ongoing tourism visits require careful management to avoid over-exposure and stress. Disease transmission from tourists represents both a welfare and conservation threat. Silverback males may show threat displays in response to perceived intrusion. Limiting visitor numbers, enforcing distance rules, and requiring health screening of visitors are essential welfare measures.