Wild Animals

Wild Gorilla Tourism Ethics and Welfare Standards

Mountain gorilla tourism generates critical conservation funding but must be carefully managed to protect gorillas from disease transmission and behavioral disruption.

Key Facts

Gorilla trekking permits cost $1,500 in Rwanda, generating substantial conservation revenue
Visitors are limited to one hour per gorilla group and minimum 7-meter distance
COVID-19 required all gorilla tourism to cease in 2020-2021 protecting gorilla groups from respiratory disease
Habituated gorilla groups are monitored daily providing research and protection against poaching
Human respiratory pathogens can infect gorillas due to close genetic similarity

Welfare Considerations

Disease transmission from tourists to gorillas is a genuine and documented welfare risk. Gorillas have died from human respiratory infections including COVID-19. Strict protocols including mask-wearing, maintaining distance, and staying home when ill protect gorilla health. Well-managed tourism that follows these protocols provides conservation benefit without unacceptable welfare cost.

What You Can Do

Only visit gorilla groups through permit programs with certified distance and behavior protocols
Wear a mask at all times during gorilla trekking as required by park rules
Do not visit if you have respiratory illness symptoms within 2 weeks of your planned trek
Choose permit revenue that funds anti-poaching patrols and veterinary monitoring programs