Wildlife

Mountain Gorilla Welfare in Virunga

Mountain gorillas in the Virunga volcanoes face snares, disease transmission from humans, and habitat encroachment — welfare science now guides conservation decisions.

Key Facts

Fewer than 1100 mountain gorillas remain in the wild
Virunga massif spans Uganda, Rwanda and DRC
Human respiratory diseases are a leading welfare threat
Snare injuries cause chronic pain and disability in survivors
Population has grown due to intensive conservation effort

Welfare Considerations

Mountain gorillas experience complex social stressors when group composition changes due to poaching or death. Snare wounds, respiratory infections, and habitat loss all cause measurable suffering. Veterinary intervention teams now treat injured gorillas, balancing welfare benefit against risks of human contact.

What You Can Do

Support Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and Gorilla Doctors
Avoid products linked to deforestation in central Africa
Advocate for long-term DRC conservation funding
Never share unverified gorilla encounter content online