Mountain gorilla populations are monitored so intensively that individual health events receive veterinary intervention, creating unique welfare management opportunities.
Mountain gorillas are susceptible to human respiratory pathogens including human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus. Disease outbreaks in highly monitored groups allow rapid veterinary response, but anaesthesia carries mortality risk even in skilled hands. Snare injuries requiring removal involve capture of a wild gorilla — an inherently stressful procedure performed to prevent prolonged suffering. The population-level monitoring infrastructure makes gorillas among the best-supported wildlife populations globally from a welfare perspective.