# Gorilla Doctors

> Saving a Species One Gorilla at a Time

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## Posts

- [Treating a Giant: A Wounded Elephant in Virunga National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/treating-a-giant-a-wounded-elephant-in-virunga-national-park/): By Dr. Fabrice Malonga, Field Veterinarian, Gorilla Doctors (DR Congo) Most of my days are spent caring for mountain gorillas. But on Sunday, September 27, I found myself crouched in the forest near Lake Edward, about 200 meters from a six-ton bull elephant. The bull elephant treated in Virunga National Park on 27 September 2026.
- ["Let Oteil Sing" Campaign Raises $4,000 for Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/let-oteil-sing-campaign-raises-4000-for-gorilla-doctors/): Musician Oteil Burbridge (Dead & Company, Allman Brothers Band) has been an outspoken supporter of Gorilla Doctors for several years. (His wife, Jess Burbridge is our very own Development & Communications Officer!) In 2015, fan and friend Chris DiNardo decided to launch a "Let Oteil Sing" t shirt campaign to celebrate Oteil joining the newly
- [A Conversation with Nora Nickum - author of Wild Medicine](https://gorilladoctors.org/a-conversation-with-nora-nickum-author-of-wild-medicine/): Nora Nickum's latest book, Wild Medicine: Inventing Ways to Save Endangered Animals, was released today, and Gorilla Doctors is honored to be included alongside a menagerie of endangered animals and the dedicated people working to save them. The cover of Wild Medicine, courtesy of Tilbury House Publishers. Our very own Dr. Eddy is featured in
- [Critically endangered gorilla orphaned as a baby gives birth after historic return to the wild](https://gorilladoctors.org/critically-endangered-gorilla-orphaned-as-a-baby-gives-birth-after-historic-return-to-the-wild/): PRESS RELEASE Rescued by Gorilla Doctors and Congolese wildlife authorities (ICCN) from the illegal wildlife trade at 18 months old and raised at GRACE sanctuary, Lulingu is now caring for an infant after mating with a wild silverback in the DRC Lulingu, a rewilded Grauer's gorilla gives birth, Mt. Tshiaberimu, Virunga National Park, DR Congo.
- [Field Report: Another Silverback Surgery – Tebuka of Pablo Group Treated for Severe, Infected Wounds](https://gorilladoctors.org/silverback-treated-severe-infected-wounds/): Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda By Dr. Adrien Emile Ntwari, Field Veterinarian Recently, Tebuka, a 13-year-old silverback in the Pablo group, sustained severe wounds from an interaction with a lone silverback. A few days later the wounds appeared infected, and he needed hands-on treatment to recover, including suturing one of the deepest wounds on his abdomen.
- [Field Report: Snare Rescue of Infant Mountain Gorilla](https://gorilladoctors.org/field-report-snare-rescue-of-infant-mountain-gorilla/): By Dr. Fred Nizeyimana, senior field veterinarian Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda Rwereeta is a young mountain gorilla in Bwindi's Kutu group, born July 15, 2022. Over the past year, Dr. Ricky and I have intervened twice to save his life. September 2025: A Severe Foot Injury At three years old, Rwereeta was injured on
- [Field Report: Silverback Receives Surgery for Severe Wounds](https://gorilladoctors.org/field-report-silverback-receives-surgery-for-severe-wounds/): By Dr. Nelson Bukamba, Field Veterinarian, Uganda UPDATE: July 31, 2026 Yesterday, Dr. Nelson conducted a veterinary monitoring visit to check the healing progress of silverback Muyambi's wounds. He is happy to report that there is no sign of infection, the stitches in Muyambi's lip have held, and his lip is looking great. He is
- [On the Frontlines of Ebola Prevention](https://gorilladoctors.org/on-the-frontlines-of-ebola-prevention/): A report from Kahuzi Biega National Park, DR Congo On June 11-12, Gorilla Doctors’ DR Congo team expanded our ongoing Ebola response from Virunga National Park to Kahuzi Biega National Park in South Kivu province, DR Congo — a critical intervention given the multiple threats facing this area. The park and adjacent Oku community forest
- [Ebola Disease Outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda: Latest Updates](https://gorilladoctors.org/ebola-outbreak-2026-latest/): Updated for: June 19, 2026 Our team remains safe and healthy. There are no suspected cases of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in eastern gorillas and we maintain regular health monitoring. As of June 15, there are 837 confirmed human cases in DR Congo and 196 confirmed deaths; there are now 49 survivors.
- [Keeping Gorillas Healthy During an Ebola Outbreak](https://gorilladoctors.org/keeping-gorillas-healthy-during-an-ebola-outbreak/): A letter from our new Executive Director Dear Gorilla Doctors Community, Last month, I traveled to Rwanda with plans to meet our teams across Rwanda, Uganda, and Democratic Republic of the Congo in person for the first time. Just two days after I arrived, DR Congo’s Ministry of Health confirmed the human Ebola disease outbreak
- [Gorilla Doctors Celebrates 40 Years of Conservation Medicine on Earth Day](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-celebrates-40-years-of-conservation-medicine-on-earth-day/): From a single veterinarian in Rwanda to an international force for gorilla health, the organization marks four decades of work that has helped nearly double mountain gorilla populations Gorilla Doctors treat infant mountain gorilla after snare rescue. © Gorilla Doctors Today, on Earth Day, Gorilla Doctors marks its 40th anniversary (1986–2026). What began as one
- [Vital Signs: The Health Story of Pablo Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/vital-signs-the-health-story-of-pablo-group/): Today is an exciting day in the world of mountain gorilla conservation: A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough, premieres on Netflix — bringing the remarkable history of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the iconic Pablo group to a global audience. In honor of this, we're taking you into the field for a deep
- [Getting to Know Dr. Sonya: Part 3](https://gorilladoctors.org/getting-to-know-dr-sonya-part-3/): Here we are, Part 3 in our series! In Part 1, we explored Dr. Sonya’s childhood inspirations and education. In Part 2, we learned about the career path that led her to becoming Gorilla Doctors' next executive director. This week, we look to the future and briefly discuss her vision for the organization and eastern
- [Getting to Know Dr. Sonya: Part 2](https://gorilladoctors.org/getting-to-know-dr-sonya-part-2/): Last week we sat down with Dr. Sonya to learn about her early influences and educational background. This week we dive into her career trajectory after she completed her PhD. Dr. Sonya looks on as gorillas explore the forest enclosure at GRACE in 2017. Photo by Liz Williamson REMINDER! Gorilla Doctors LIVE: Meet + Greet
- [Keeping Tulambule Healthy: Then and Now](https://gorilladoctors.org/keeping-tulambule-healthy-then-and-now/): UPDATE: Tulambule's Ongoing Treatment – March 12 >> As we first reported, Dr. Fred administered a first dose of deworming medication on January 26. On March 12, Dr. Nelson administered a second dose of deworming treatment. He reported that Tulambule still exhibits mild clinical signs of gastrointestinal parasites - brownish and thinning haircoat - but
- [Getting to Know Dr. Sonya: Part 1](https://gorilladoctors.org/getting-to-know-dr-sonya-part-1/): Last week our board chair, Dr. Jan Ramer, introduced you to Dr. Sonya Kahlenberg, our new executive director. In part one of this three-part Q&A series, discover Dr. Sonya’s childhood inspirations, educational background, and early formative experiences. 1) What sparked your love of animals and nature? I grew up on a small farm in Ohio,
- [Dr. Nelson Publishes First Scientific Paper!](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-nelson-publishes-first-scientific-paper/): Dr. Nelson Bukamba, one of our field veterinarians in Uganda, recently published his first peer-reviewed scientific paper from his master’s thesis, which focused on the health risks of Strongyloides parasites: Bukamba, Nelson, et al. "The potential threat of Strongyloides spp. to mountain gorillas and public health in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda." Parasitology Research (2026). Dr.
- [Respiratory Illness Outbreak in Kwitonda Group – Multiple Mountain Gorillas Treated](https://gorilladoctors.org/respiratory-illness-outbreak-in-kwitonda-group-multiple-mountain-gorillas-treated/): By Gaspard Nzayisenga, senior field veterinarian Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda December 25, 2025 saw the beginnings of respiratory illness in some of the gorillas in Kwitonda group. Over the next few days, the respiratory illness spread through the group with some gorillas showing more severe clinical signs than others. Silverback Karevuro showing clinical signs of
- [Gorilla Doctors Loses a Great Leader](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-loses-a-great-leader/): It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear friend Roger Powell, a founding and our longest-standing board member of Gorilla Doctors. Roger passed away on January 1, 2026. Anne and Roger Powell and Donna Platt trekking mountain gorillas, March 15, 2022. Roger, a lifelong conservationist and outdoor enthusiast, first became
- [Dr. Adrien Completes Conservation Leadership Training](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-adrien-completes-conservation-leadership-training/): Recently, Dr. Adrien Emile Ntwari, one of our field veterinarians in Rwanda, graduated from a two-year, capacity-building training program called “Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders” (EWCL). Following his graduation ceremony in Washington, D.C., we asked Dr. Adrien to reflect on his experience and how he will use what he learned at Gorilla Doctors. What is the
- [Field Report: Mountain Gorilla Snare Rescue](https://gorilladoctors.org/field-report-mountain-gorilla-snare-rescue/): By Dr. Adrien Emile Ntwari, field veterinarian, Rwanda On Saturday November 15, we received an emergency call from Volcanoes National Park rangers – Umusingi, a five-year-old juvenile male from the Igisha family was caught in a rope snare. Umusingi and other gorillas from his family chewed through the rope tethering him to the snare but
- [Field Report: Two Successful Snare Rescues](https://gorilladoctors.org/field-report-two-successful-snare-rescues/): Snare Rescue #1: Virunga National Park By Dr. Eddy, Kambale Syaluha, head veterinarian, DR Congo On Monday October 13 around 10:00AM, Gorilla Doctors received a call from the Virunga National Park monitoring team reporting that a juvenile mountain gorilla in Bageni group was observed by trackers with a wire snare on its left foot. Dr.
- [Remembering Dr. Jane Goodall and Honoring her Legacy](https://gorilladoctors.org/remembering-dr-jane-goodall-and-honoring-her-legacy/): By Dr. Kirsten Gilardi, Executive Director It has taken me a couple days to gather my thoughts… I do not remember not knowing about Jane. Photographs in National Geographic and television documentaries of her with Gombe Stream chimpanzees fascinated me as a child. When I grew up, I wanted to be Jane Goodall (and oh
- [World Gorilla Day Fun with the Gorilla Doctors Team](https://gorilladoctors.org/world-gorilla-day-fun-with-the-gorilla-doctors-team/): To celebrate WORLD GORILLA DAY, our U.S., Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo teams gathered on Zoom® to have some fun coming up with our dream gorilla names! Turns out we are a pretty positive group of gorilla lovers! Especially Drs. Fabrice and Cedric who landed on the same name…Vutseme, meaning ‘Happiness’ or ‘Joyful’. We were
- [Protecting People and Gorillas: A One Health Deep Dive into Dengue and Zika Virus](https://gorilladoctors.org/protecting-people-and-gorillas-a-one-health-deep-dive-into-dengue-and-zika-virus/): We are excited to announce the launch of a new five-year research project led by the Uganda Virus Research Institute in partnership with an international consortium that includes our Gorilla Doctors team. Using our One Health approach, this project, generously funded by the Wellcome Trust, will investigate dengue and Zika viruses to help us better
- [Dr. Gaspard Names an Infant Mountain Gorilla for the 20th Kwita Izina Celebration](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-gaspard-names-an-infant-mountain-gorilla-for-the-20th-kwita-izina-celebration/): Today, September 5, Rwanda celebrates their 20th Kwita Izina – the baby gorilla naming ceremony and annual tribute to the country’s long committment to mountain gorilla conservation. Gorilla Doctors was honored to have Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga, our senior field veterinarian in Rwanda be selected to name one of the infant mountain gorillas! We sat down
- [Every Day is a Gorilla Day at Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/every-day-is-a-gorilla-day-at-gorilla-doctors/): Our veterinarians are on call 365 days a year to provide life-saving care for ill or injured mountain and Grauer’s gorillas in the forests of Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo. Now is the time to support this work because your donation will be doubled by a generous $25,000 match from the Berson-Murray family through the end
- [UC Davis Medical Residents Support Gorilla Health Through Human Health](https://gorilladoctors.org/uc-davis-medical-residents-support-gorilla-health-through-human-health/): This month and last, MGVP has been hosting residents from the UC Davis Medical at our headquarters in Rwanda. As part of our One Health initiative to improve gorilla health by supporting human health programs, the doctors are working with patients and staff at the local Ruhengeri Hospital. Dr. Uppinder Mattu, a third-year resident currently
- [Celebrating New Gorilla Life in Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/celebrating-new-gorilla-life-in-rwanda/): Mararo and her newborn.Every new mountain gorilla born in the wild represents hope for the species’ long-term survival. In Rwanda, these births are celebrated every June at Volcanoes National Park’s annual Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony. On June 16, 19 mountain gorilla infants born in the park since June 2011 received Kinyarwanda names. Our own
- [Dr. Methode Bahizi Becomes Newest Gorilla Doctor](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-methode-bahizi-becomes-newest-gorilla-doctor/): We’d like to introduce our newest veterinarian, Dr. Methode Bahizi, who will take on the Regional Laboratory Veterinarian position that was vacated by Dr. Noel after he was promoted to Rwanda Field Veterinarian. Methode has been involved with Gorilla Doctors since 2009, first as a student conducting cattle health research with our former Agriculture Consultant
- [Ugenda & Wageni Injured in Interaction with Lone Silverback](https://gorilladoctors.org/ugenda-wageni-injured-in-interaction-with-lone-silverback/): by Dr. Dawn Zimmerman The Ugenda group was found split on February 20th, after a lone silverback, identified as Gushimira, acquired the three adult females (Kanama, Inziza, and Kurudi) during an interaction thought to have occurred on the evening of Feb 19th. The two silverbacks of Ugenda group, Ugenda and Wageni, both sustained injuries. Interestingly,
- [New Infant Born in Karisimbi A Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/new-infant-born-in-karisimbi-a-group/): by Dr. Jean Felix Kinani On April 30, I visited Karisimbi A group for a Routine Health Check. We found the group in the Ruteme area of the park, at an altitude of 3019 meters. Adult female Umuhanga was not initially located and so the trackers and I decided to fan out and search for
- [Dr. Fred Intervenes to Treat Silverback's Injuries in Bwindi](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-fred-intervenes-to-treat-silverbacks-injuries-in-bwindi/): Dominant silverback Makara, of Habinyanja group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, was severely injured after a fight with a wild gorilla group on May 3rd. With wounds on his wrists, hands, face and back of head, the silverback was left exhausted and in need of a veterinary assessment. Dr. Fred trekked to the group on
- [Orphans Baraka and Isangi Confirmed by Max Planck to be Grauer's](https://gorilladoctors.org/orphans-baraka-and-isangi-confirmed-by-max-planck-to-be-grauers/): Fecal samples from orphaned infants Baraka and Isangi, who are currently being housed at the Senkwekwe Center in Virunga National Park, were recently sent to the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany for genetic analysis. MPI was tasked with determining whether these infants, who were confiscated from poachers in DRC in September
- [Press Release: Gorilla Doctors Assist in the Rescue of an Infant Gorilla Suspected to Have Escaped Poachers in DRC](https://gorilladoctors.org/press-release-gorilla-doctors-assist-in-the-rescue-of-an-infant-gorilla-suspected-to-have-escaped-poachers-in-drc/): An infant male gorilla, found alone in a cornfield in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been rescued by the Congolese Wildlife Authority (ICCN) with critical assistance from Gorilla Doctors. Gorilla Doctors, dedicated to conserving gorillas through veterinary medicine, monitors and promotes the health of wild habituated mountain and Grauer’s gorillas in Rwanda,
- [Poached Orphan Gorilla Finds Sanctuary at the Senkwekwe Center](https://gorilladoctors.org/poached-orphan-gorilla-finds-sanctuary-at-the-senkwekwe-center/): by Dr. Jan Ramer "Last week, several boys brought a young gorilla who had been caught in a snare to a village near Kahuzi-Biega National Park (PNKB) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nobody knows who set the snare, which group she came from, or the plight of the mother, but the village Chief knew
- [PhD Candidate Alisa Kubala Conducts Research on Malaria in Eastern Gorillas](https://gorilladoctors.org/phd-candidate-alisa-kubala-conducts-research-on-malaria-in-eastern-gorillas/): Every year, Gorilla Doctors supports graduate and PhD student research projects examining infectious diseases in eastern gorillas. This year, Gorilla Doctors has facilitated PhD research projects on respiratory illness in mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and herpesviruses in mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable and Volcanoes National Parks. Also this year, Gorilla Doctors hosted Murdoch
- [Orphan Kalonge Receives Treatment for Suspected Respiratory Infection](https://gorilladoctors.org/orphan-kalonge-receives-treatment-for-suspected-respiratory-infection/): Orphan Grauer's gorilla Kalonge was rescued in early March after she was caught in a snare and brought to a local village chief by a group of young boys outside of Kahuzi Biega National Park (read about her rescue here). Through a joint rescue operation by ICCN and Gorilla Doctors, 2-year-old Kalonge was brought to
- [Yearly Check Ups for the Senkwekwe Center Mountain Gorilla Orphans](https://gorilladoctors.org/yearly-check-ups-for-the-senkwekwe-center-mountain-gorilla-orphans/): Every year, the mountain gorilla orphans at the Senkwekwe Center in Virunga National Park receive comprehensive medical exams to ensure they remain in good health and have not developed any underlying medical conditions or are in need of veterinary treatment. Most recently, Drs. Jan, Eddy and Martin examined Ndeze and Matabishi at the Senkwekwe Center.
- [Regional Manager Dr. Jan Ramer Says Farewell to Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/regional-manager-dr-jan-ramer-says-farewell-to-gorilla-doctors/): After a year in central Africa overseeing all aspects of Gorilla Doctors activities on the ground, Dr. Jan Ramer will return to the United States on January 22 to reunite with her family and continue her work as a wildlife veterinarian for The Wilds, a private, non-profit conservation center located on 10,000 acres of reclaimed
- [Abaxis Europe Continues Critical Support of Gorilla Doctors Through Donation of Lab Equipment](https://gorilladoctors.org/abaxis-europe-continues-critical-support-of-gorilla-doctors-through-donation-of-lab-equipment/): Every year, our laboratories and field offices in Rwanda, DRC, and Uganda are outfitted with newly donated equipment and supplies, gradually broadening our capabilities and strengthening our capacity building efforts in the region. We rely on the generosity of companies such as Abaxis Europe, who has supplied our veterinarians with critical laboratory equipment like hematology
- [Gorilla Doctors Staff Gather for Planning and Rejuvenation](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-staff-gather-for-planning-and-rejuvenation/): By Kirsten Gilardi and Jaco Homsy Nearly our entire Gorilla Doctors staff – 16 of us, from Rwanda, Uganda, DRC and the US – came together March 8-9, 2015 for a retreat at the beautiful Bwindi Lodge in Buhoma, Uganda. Our objectives were to conduct a “check-up” on Gorilla Doctors: to take our temperature and
- [Ndeze Gets Sick, Gorilla Doctors Respond](https://gorilladoctors.org/ndeze-gets-sick-gorilla-doctors-respond/): By Dr. Mike Cranfield Dr. Eddy got a call from Andre in Rumangabo during our all-staff retreat in Buhoma next to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Two gorillas, Maisha and Ndeze, were having issues. Maisha had diarrhea and Ndeze was not eating well and sitting in abnormal positions. After talking over the cases, Dr. Eddy placed
- [Gorilla Doctors Participates in World Wildlife Day](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-participates-in-world-wildlife-day/): By Michael Morales An enjoyable and important part of Gorilla Doctors’ work comes in the form of helping educate local communities about the health of mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Last month, our Gorilla Doctors team helped celebrate World Wildlife Day in Uganda. The celebration was at the Uganda
- [Dr. Martin Reflects on His 'Great Opportunity' Working With Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-martin-reflects-on-his-great-opportunity-working-with-gorilla-doctors/): By Michael Morales Dr. Martin with orphan Grauer's gorilla Isangi at the Senkwekwe Center in DRC. Dr. Martin has all the qualities you would want in a veterinary doctor who works with endangered species. “I’m a gentle man,” said the Gorilla Doctors’ field veterinarian, who works in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “I’m a patriotic
- [Welcome Back to Jess Burbridge!](https://gorilladoctors.org/welcome-back-to-jess-burbridge/): After three months away on maternity leave, Gorilla Doctors Director of Marketing and Communications has returned to take the reins on the Gorilla Doctors field communications efforts from her homebase in Atlanta, Georgia. With her return, prompt and thorough reporting on all Gorilla Doctors activities will resume. We are also eager to launch our new
- [Grauer's Orphan Kalonge Fractures Femur in Fall](https://gorilladoctors.org/grauers-orphan-kalonge-fractures-femur-in-fall/): Kalonge and her caretaker, Babo, at the Senkwekwe Center in DRC. Image by Marcus Westberg/ Life Through A Lens Photography for Gorilla Doctors. Infant Grauer’s gorilla Kalonge, who was rescued in March 2014 after being caught in a snare outside of Kahuzi Biega National Park, fell while climbing in her outdoor enclosure at the Senkwekwe
- [Helping Virunga National Park Protect Wild Elephants](https://gorilladoctors.org/helping-virunga-national-park-protect-wild-elephants/): A Virunga elephant fitted with a tracking collar. Poachers are targeting elephants in Virunga National Park to fuel the illegal ivory trade and Chief Park Warden Emmanuel de Merode and his incredible team of rangers are fighting back to protect these gentle giants. They have enlisted the help of Save the Elephants (STE), a Nairobi-headquartered
- [New X Ray Machine Will Allow for More Intensive Diagnostics](https://gorilladoctors.org/new-x-ray-machine-will-allow-for-more-intensive-diagnostics/): The Gorilla Doctors team is continually in need of new equipment and supplies to maintain a high standard of health care for endangered gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC. We are very pleased with the recent addition of a portable x ray machine to our arsenal of tools to use in the field. Gorilla Doctors
- [Another Successful Rwanda Fête for Partners in Conservation](https://gorilladoctors.org/another-successful-rwanda-fete-for-partners-in-conservation/): On Saturday, September 19th, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium hosted the 21st annual Rwandan Fête, an event to raise funds for Partners in Conservation projects, such as Gorilla Doctors and other organizations working in Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC. "Partners in Conservation was created by Columbus Zoo staff and docents in response to the dramatic
- [Farewell Jess!](https://gorilladoctors.org/farewell-jess/): On behalf of the entire Gorilla Doctors team, we wish to say a very fond farewell and a huge Thank You to Jessica Burbridge. Jess’s last day with Gorilla Doctors is Monday, November 30. After three years as our Director of Communications & Marketing, Jess has made the difficult decision to not try to be
- [Support Gorilla Doctors Today to Save Gorillas in 2016](https://gorilladoctors.org/support-gorilla-doctors-today-to-save-gorillas-in-2016/): As 2015 comes to a close, we would like to thank our entire Gorilla Doctors team for its hard work and dedication to the conservation of wild eastern gorillas. Gorilla Doctors’ work has been vital in bringing mountain gorillas back from the brink of extinction. Since January 1, our team has: - Conducted more than 40
- [Gorilla Doctors Team Helps Save Jackal From Snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-team-helps-save-jackal-from-snare/): By Dr. Joost Philippa The Gorilla Doctors team doesn’t just take care of gorillas; we occasionally work with the national parks to intervene on behalf of other wildlife that exit the parks or are injured due to a human-caused issue. Recently, Volcanoes National Park requested the veterinary assistance of Gorilla Doctors for just such a
- [Meet Gorilla Doctors’ New Health Care Manager at the Lwiro Primate Sanctuary](https://gorilladoctors.org/meet-gorilla-doctors-new-health-care-manager-at-the-lwiro-primate-sanctuary/): Gorilla Doctors is happy to announce our latest hire, Dr. Sophie Bosh, who will manage the health care program at the Lwiro Primate Sanctuary. Gorilla Doctors was recently asked by partners to provide leadership for health care for animals at Lwiro. As an introduction, we asked Sophie, who studied veterinary medicine at the University of
- [A 10-year-old gorilla lover sent us this beautiful note](https://gorilladoctors.org/a-10-year-old-gorilla-lover-sent-us-this-beautiful-note/): Gorilla Doctors received this heart warming letter in the mail a few weeks back from a 10-year-old girl named Ayla. She had just finished raising $67.95 at her school in Montana, and she wanted to donate it to support our work. We loved her letter, and we wanted to share it with you: We reached out to Ayla and her
- [Tracking an Ensnared Elephant in Virunga National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/tracking-an-ensnared-elephant-in-virunga-national-park/): By Joost Philippa Last week I got a call from Dr. Eddy, our head veterinarian in the Democratic Republic of Congo: an elephant had been observed with what appeared to be a wire snare around his hind leg in the Central Sector of Virunga National Park, in the area between Mabenga and Rwindi. This is
- [Summer Externship with Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/summer-externship-with-gorilla-doctors/): By Marlene Haggblade UCD SVM Student I always forget how much I feel at home in Africa. As I got off the plane in Kigali, Rwanda I was immediately surrounded by vegetation I hadn’t seen since I was a tiny tot chasing chameleons around our backyard in Madagascar. It had been 3 years since I
- [Goodbye Dr. Joost](https://gorilladoctors.org/goodbye-dr-joost/): By Drs. Mike & Kirsten Regretfully we must share the news this month that Dr. Joost has decided to move on from his position as Regional Coordinator for Gorilla Doctors. Joost is truly a clinician at heart - he is happiest when he is treating animals and can watch their condition improve as a result
- [Death of silverback Ndahura](https://gorilladoctors.org/death-of-silverback-ndahura/): Silverback Ndahura By Dr. Fred On December 18, Ndahura, a 28-year old silverback and leader of Bitukura group, was reported having fallen 50 meters from a tall tree at around 8:00AM. The fall had occurred while Ndahura was feeding on Chrysophylum fruits and the tree branch he was perched on broke under his weight. Unfortunately,
- [Snare removal from a Golden Jackal](https://gorilladoctors.org/snare-removal-from-a-golden-jackal/): The wild golden jackal caught in a wire snare By Drs. Gaspard, Methode, Noel, & Mike On November 15, 2016, Gorilla Doctors was informed of a wild golden jackal found caught in a wire snare at the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. A veterinary intervention to release the animal was planned the same morning.
- [Routine Health Check on Bikingi group (PHOTOS)](https://gorilladoctors.org/routine-health-check-on-bikingi-group-photos/): Silverback Bikingi feeding Gorilla Doctors routinely trek into the gorilla parks in Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo to observe habituated gorillas with their trained veterinary eyes for any subtle signs of illness or injury. In this way, our veterinarians get to know individual gorillas and what "normal" is, so that we're better prepared
- [Gorilla Love 3: An Intimate Event](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-love-3-an-intimate-event/): Drs. Mike Cranfield & Kirsten Gilardi presenting an auction item Board member Dr. Lara Nicolayevsky Zekaria and her husband Ike opened their beautiful home in Beverly Hills to Gorilla Doctors supporters on Saturday, March 25th. "Gorilla Love 3" was an intimate invitation-only event to raise money for Gorilla Doctors, hosted by Lara and Ike, Board
- [Gorilla Doctors at the Spring 2017 Wildlife Conservation Expo](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-at-the-spring-2017-wildlife-conservation-expo/): Visit the Gorilla Doctors at our table at the Wildlife Conservation Expo in San Rafael on April 29! Co-Director Dr. Kirsten Gilardi will be there to disseminate information about Gorilla Doctors, with lots of swag in tow for purchase. If you’re at the Expo, stop by and say hi! "Our Wildlife Conservation Expos are unique
- [Saving Baby Yalala](https://gorilladoctors.org/saving-baby-yalala/): Yalala sitting on Dr. Eddy's lap while recovering at Senkwekwe Dr. Eddy Kambale On Monday afternoon, June 12 I received a phone call from the ICCN Chief warden Innocent reporting that the ranger team based at the GIKERI Patrol Post had called him about an infant gorilla caught in a snare. They believed the baby
- [Orphan Mountain Gorilla Maisha Passes Away at Senkwekwe Center](https://gorilladoctors.org/orphan-mountain-gorilla-maisha-passes-away-at-senkwekwe-center/): The Gorilla Doctors family is heartbroken to report the loss of orphan mountain gorilla Maisha at Virunga National Park’s Senkwekwe Center. Maisha was the oldest of four mountain gorilla orphans that lived at the Senkwekwe Center. “We worked very closely with the caregivers at the Senkwekwe Center to try and get Maisha well” said Gorilla
- [Routine Health Check on the Mubare Group After Kanyonyi's Death](https://gorilladoctors.org/routine-health-check-on-the-mubare-group-after-kanyonyis-death/): Malaika watching over her family On Wednesday December 13th, Dr. Ricky trekked into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda UWA trackers and guides to conduct a routine health check on the remaining 8 members of Mubare group. Nyampanzi's infant feeding The group number and dynamics of Mubare group have changed drastically in the past two
- [Spotlight on Dr. Adrien Emile Ntwali - Our Newest Gorilla Doctor!](https://gorilladoctors.org/spotlight-on-dr-adrien-emile-ntwali-our-newest-gorilla-doctor/): Former Gorilla Doctors veterinary intern Dr. Adrien Emile Ntwali is now the newest member of our team based in Rwanda, currently working as a field veterinarian for Gorilla Doctors and the PREDICT Project. When he was young, Dr. Adrien and his close friend had dreams of becoming medical doctors together. Their paths diverged, however, when
- [Thank you Dr. Emily!](https://gorilladoctors.org/thank-you-dr-emily/): Dr. Emily Denstedt in Rwanda Our Gorilla Doctors team has been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Emily Denstedt, DVM over the past year during her two stints working at our Regional Headquarters in Rwanda as part of her Master of Public Health degree practicum placement. Dr. Emily applied for this specific
- [Gorilla Doctors in the Classroom](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-in-the-classroom/): Dr. Methode letting kids try using a stethoscope Written by Dr. Methode Bahizi Gorilla Doctors is dedicated to conserving wild mountain and eastern lowland (or Grauer's) gorillas through life-saving veterinary medicine and science using a One Health approach. Our most important work is to provide these critically endangered animals with direct, hands-on care in the
- [Learning from Gorillas to Save Killer Whales](https://gorilladoctors.org/learning-from-gorillas-to-save-killer-whales/): J50, or Scarlet, a southern resident killer whale in the Salish Sea, keeping up with her family in August 2018. (Katy Foster/NOAA Fisheries) By Kat Kerlin In 2018, the southern resident killer whale population in the Pacific Northwest’s Salish Sea was at its lowest ever. The world watched in September as an orca named Scarlet,
- [Meet the Largest Mountain Gorilla Group in Virunga National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/meet-the-largest-mountain-gorilla-group-in-virunga-national-park/): On February 7th, Drs. Eddy and Martin conducted a routine health check of Wilungula group, a newly habituated mountain gorilla group in Virunga National Park, DR Congo. At this moment, Wiliungula is the largest in the region with 40 individuals, including four silverbacks! Here is Wilungula group’s story… Wilungula group resting, Virunga National Park, DR
- [Silverback Rafiki: Mountain Gorilla Killed by Poachers in Uganda](https://gorilladoctors.org/silverback-rafiki-mountain-gorilla-killed-by-poachers-in-uganda/): On June 12th, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) released a statement on the death of Rafiki, the lead and only silverback of Nkuringo group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Gorilla Doctors’ post-mortem examination on Rafiki revealed that the likely cause of death was the result of injury from a sharp device/object that penetrated his left
- [Kahuzi-Biega National Park Welcomes New Leadership](https://gorilladoctors.org/kahuzi-biega-national-park-welcomes-new-leadership/): Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is home to critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri) as well as a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It is estimated that Kahuzi-Biega and surrounding unprotected forest support almost 60% of the total remaining population of Grauer’s gorillas1. For the past few
- [Chew On This: Personalized Health Care for Mountain Gorillas](https://gorilladoctors.org/chew-on-this-personalized-health-care-for-mountain-gorillas/): Scientists Rule Out Human Herpesvirus in Endangered Gorillas With Help From Chewed Plants Republished with permission from UC Davis News By Kat Kerlin, UC Davis A mountain gorilla walks in the forest of East Africa’s Virunga Volcanoes conservation area. It stops at a piece of wild celery, sits down, and begins to chew. It strips
- [Gorilla Doctors Goes to Washington](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-goes-to-washington/): In June our Ugandan Head Veterinarian, Dr. Benard Ssebide, and our Chief Veterinary & Scientific Officer, Dr. Tierra Smiley Evans, traveled to the headquarters of the National Institutes of Health just outside of Washington, DC to attend the Centers for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases (CREID) Network meeting and present on Gorilla Doctors’ research and
- [Dr. Noel Returns to Rwanda as Gorilla Doctors’ NEW Regional Pathologist](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-noel-returns-to-rwanda-as-gorilla-doctors-new-regional-pathologist/): By Dr. Kirsten Gilardi, Executive Director Following nearly a year of studying veterinary pathology at the University of California, Davis and Johns Hopkins University, we are thrilled to have Dr. Jean Bosco ‘Noel’ Noheri, DVM, MSc, MBA, officially begin his new role as Gorilla Doctors’ first-ever regional pathologist. READ (with video) a short Q&A with
- [Une Parole pour l’Histoire: An Afternoon with Jane Goodall in Paris](https://gorilladoctors.org/une-parole-pour-lhistoire-an-afternoon-with-jane-goodall-in-paris/): It doesn’t get much better than autumn in Paris unless you add Dr. Jane Goodall giving a historic speech at UNESCO World Headquarters, which is exactly what happened this past Saturday, October 19, 2024. UNESCO world headquarters, Paris, France. © Gorilla Doctors It just worked out that one of our team was working in Paris
- [Dr. Tierra Goes to Berkeley](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-tierra-goes-to-berkeley/): Gorilla Doctors is thrilled to announce that Dr. Tierra, our chief veterinary and scientific officer, is joining the faculty of the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) this coming January 2025. Dr. Tierra at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. © Gorilla Doctors Dr. Tierra’s position at UCB is a joint appointment with the Department of Integrative
- [Thoughts from Dr. Benard: A Gorilla Doctors LIVE Preview](https://gorilladoctors.org/thoughts-from-dr-benard-a-gorilla-doctors-live-preview/): Just one week from today, Dr. Benard and our Uganda field veterinarians – Drs. Fred, Ricky and Nelson - will be discussing all things gorilla health during Gorilla Doctors LIVE on Thursday, December 12 at 9:00AM PST (12:00PM EST). Have you registered yet? Are you getting your questions ready? REGISTER HERE Here is a little
- [Snare Rescue: Infant Mountain Gorilla](https://gorilladoctors.org/snare-rescue-infant-mountain-gorilla/): By Dr. Fabrice Katembo Malonga, field veterinarian, DR Congo On Saturday July 5 we received a call from park rangers that an infant mountain gorilla in Mapuwa group of the Mikeno sector in Virunga National Park, DR Congo was observed with a wire snare embedded deep in her left wrist. Nkige rests with her mother
- [Chaos During a Snare Rescue? Not for Dr. Ricky!](https://gorilladoctors.org/chaos-during-a-snare-rescue-not-for-dr-ricky/): On the afternoon of Thursday June 5, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park trackers reported that blackback mountain gorilla Karureeta of Katwe group had a wire snare around his left wrist. The snare was affecting his mobility, and he was exhibiting signs of discomfort. Despite Karureeta’s name translating to “chaos initiator” (he likes to stir up trouble
- [Guardians of a New Beginning](https://gorilladoctors.org/guardians-of-a-new-beginning/): We are thrilled to announce that four adult female critically endangered Grauer's gorillas have been successfully released into the wild in Virunga National Park! Gorilla Doctors played a significant role in this historic conservation achievement in collaboration with: GRACE, Virunga National Park, ICCN and Re:wild. It all began in 2003 when an infant Grauer's gorilla was confiscated from
- [The Snare Rescue that Never Happened!](https://gorilladoctors.org/the-snare-rescue-that-never-happened/): By Nelson Bukamba, field veterinarian, Uganda Last Friday as I was trekking through Bwindi on my way to administer deworming medication to silverback Kabukojo of Rushegura group, I received an urgent call from trackers. Six-year-old juvenile Bigorogoro in Mubare group was caught in a snare. Trackers said he was visibly distressed and emitting high-pitched screams
- [Intervention Report: Mountain Gorilla Treated in Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/intervention-report-mountain-gorilla-treated-in-rwanda/): By Dr. Adrien Emile Ntwari, field veterinarian, Rwanda UPDATE: Last week Dr. Gaspard conducted a follow-up monitoring visit and found Umutuzo's abscess wound healing as well as reduced inflammation around the wound site. She was actively feeding and appeared in overall good health as seen in this photo. >> Umutuzo on April 14, feeding and
- [Gorilla Doctors + The Intrepid Foundation: Marching for Conservation](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-the-intrepid-foundation-marching-for-conservation/): By Dr. Jean Bosco 'Noel' Noheri If we are to see a thriving population of wild eastern gorillas and wildlife in general, we need strategic partners who believe that each of us has the power to create positive change, and who understand that when we work together, that change can be even more impactful. Dr.
- [Gorilla Doctors First Snare Rescue of 2025](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-first-snare-rescue-of-2025/): By Gaspard Nzayisenga, senior field veternarian, Rwanda At Gorilla Doctors we are on call 24/7, ready to respond to a gorilla health emergency, rain or shine. On this particular Sunday, January 19, we received an urgent call from Volcanoes National Park trackers who discovered an infant mountain gorilla caught in a snare. Dr. Adrien and
- [A World Gorilla Day Adventure: Journey of the ‘Gorilla Outfits’](https://gorilladoctors.org/a-world-gorilla-day-adventure-journey-of-the-gorilla-outfits/): It is our favorite day of the year - World Gorilla Day. As we love to say here at Gorilla Doctors, every day is gorilla day for us, so today we are choosing to celebrate our friends at Columbia Sportswear whose generous support of rain gear and waterproof boots does so much more than keep
- [Houston Zoo Crew Works with Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/houston-zoo-crew-works-with-gorilla-doctors/): At the beginning of August, seven extraordinary teenagers from the Houston Zoo's Zoo Crew program spent a few days with Gorilla Doctors at our regional headquarters in Musanze, Rwanda. The students spent more than six months preparing for their trip and their 12-day adventure culminated with trekking deep into Volcanoes National Park with Gorilla Doctors
- [Notes from the Forest: Checking on Mutobo Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/notes-from-the-forest-checking-on-mutobo-group/): By Dr. Adrien Emile Ntwari, Field Veterinarian, Rwanda Welcome to my first "Notes from the Forest" where we share our latest field updates on the health of endangered mountain gorillas and critically endangered Grauer’s (eastern lowland) gorillas. Where I work in Volcanoes National Park, on the Rwanda side of the Virunga Massif, we monitor the
- [A Day in the Life](https://gorilladoctors.org/a-day-in-the-life/): Shared with permission from Synergy Magazine, a publication of the University of California, School of Veterinary Medicine. "Every single day that I am out in the forest with the gorillas I realize that when we save gorillas, we are also saving ourselves." - Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga, field veterinarian, Rwanda Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga, field veterinarian, Rwanda.
- [Dr. Lina's Special Forest Encounter](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-linas-special-forest-encounter/): By Dr. Lina Nturubika, field veterinarian, DR Congo A couple of weeks ago I was in the forest on my way to conduct a routine health check of Bonane group. This is a family of ten critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. I love visiting this group because it has four infants! Youssoupha,
- [Dr. Kirsten Goes to Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-kirsten-goes-to-rwanda/): An Update from our Executive Director This week I am in Rwanda and our Africa-based Gorilla Doctors team gathered at our regional headquarters in Musanze, for regional rounds. We are an international team, working in all three range countries of the eastern gorilla – Rwanda, Uganda, and Democratic Republic of Congo – and in the
- [When Gorillas 'Rescue' Themselves](https://gorilladoctors.org/when-gorillas-rescue-themselves/): On the morning of February 19, Dr. Lina hiked out from our Tshivanga field station at Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DR Congo. It was a little before 9:00AM, and she was planning a routine health check of Bonane group, a family of nine critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas led by silverback Bonane. Silverback Bonane, lead silverback of
- [A Personal Note from Dr. Eddy](https://gorilladoctors.org/a-personal-note-from-dr-eddy/): Today, I was honored to share virtual space with our partner, Emmanuel de Merode of Virunga National Park here in DR Congo. We discussed the challenges and opportunities of our work - conservation in action. When you are responsible for protecting the health of an endangered species, the life of each individual patient contributes to the
- [Gorilla Doctors' Way Forward: A Letter from our Executive Director](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-way-forward-a-letter-from-our-executive-director/): Photo by Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga, Field Veterinarian, Rwanda. © Gorilla Doctors We are at a global tipping point. We all know it. We hear about the deterioration of our planet in the news every single day. Sometimes we are so overwhelmed we come to a standstill, not knowing where to begin. This is not a
- [Q&A: Dr. Noel Training in the USA](https://gorilladoctors.org/qa-dr-noel-training-in-the-usa/): Noel, you've been with Gorilla Doctors for 14 years and you actually started out as laboratory a technician before becoming a field veterinarian. You just spent the past seven months at UC Davis studying pathology with Dr. Linda Lowenstine, one of the world’s leading experts in great ape pathology. Now you are continuing that training
- [Gorilla Doctors Rescue Infant Mountain Gorilla from Snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-rescue-infant-mountain-gorilla-from-snare-3/): Field Report: By Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga The last couple of weeks have been stressful for 2.5-year-old infant Ingabire of Isimbi group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. On August 8 we received a report that Ingabire had been trapped in a wire snare. The trackers were able to successfully detach the wire from the bamboo stake,
- [It Takes a Village to Keep Gorillas Healthy](https://gorilladoctors.org/it-takes-a-village-to-keep-gorillas-healthy/): Notes from the Field: By Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga, field veterinarian, Rwanda For their effective conservation, mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda are monitored on a daily basis by park trackers and rangers as well as researchers and Gorilla Doctors’ veterinarians. Tourists from around the world also visit gorillas daily. Mountain gorilla family, Hirwa group.
- [Our Hospital is the Forest: Gorilla Doctors treat a mountain gorilla in Susa group](https://gorilladoctors.org/our-hospital-is-the-forest-gorilla-doctors-treat-a-mountain-gorilla-in-susa-group/): Monday, May 8 started out as a quiet day at the Gorilla Doctors regional headquarters in Musanze, Rwanda. Drs. Gaspard and Adrien worked at their desks catching up on field reports and Dr. Julius was off-site at a meeting. Then the call came in… When the Call Comes Umwari, an adult female mountain gorilla in
- [Dr. Lina Receives Siddle-Marsden Award from PASA](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-lina-receives-siddle-marsden-award-from-pasa/): Dr. Lina (middle) receives Siddle-Marsden award from PASA, March 2023. 1) Lina, congratulations on receiving the Siddle-Marsden Award from PASA (Pan African Sanctuary Alliance). You were actually awarded this honor in 2020 but they just had the ceremony in Malawi at the end of March. Can you tell us about the award and the work
- [Team DR Congo: Jean-Paul Kabemba Lukusa Completes Lab Leadership Training](https://gorilladoctors.org/team-dr-congo-jean-paul-kabemba-lukusa-completes-lab-leadership-training/): 1) JP, you serve as Gorilla Doctors' Employee Health Program Manager. Can you tell us about your role and why human health is also important to gorilla health? My role is to coordinate the activities of the employee health program in DR Congo, which has the overall objective of reducing the risk of disease spread
- [Five Questions for Gorilla Doctors New CVSO](https://gorilladoctors.org/five-questions-for-gorilla-doctors-new-cvso/): Meet Dr. Tierra Smiley Evans In our most recent newsletter we introduced you to Dr. Tierra Smiley Evans, Gorilla Doctors' new Chief Veterinary and Scientific Officer (CVSO). We sat down with Dr. Tierra to ask her a few more questions now that she is a full two and a half months on the job... Dr.
- [Busy Boy Bonane - A Newborn Grauer's Gorilla](https://gorilladoctors.org/busy-boy-bonane-a-newborn-grauers-gorilla/): Bonane, lead silverback of Bonane group, March 20, 2023. © Gorilla Doctors We are thrilled to announce a newborn Grauer’s gorilla in Bonane group at Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DR Congo. On Monday, Dr. Lina conducted a routine health check of the group and was delighted to see adult female Mukono holding her newborn (2-3 days
- [The Lonely Loved One](https://gorilladoctors.org/the-lonely-loved-one/): By Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga, field veterinarian, Rwanda During my health monitoring of Muhoza group on January 5, I was surprised to find Inkundwa, a lone silverback mountain gorilla, interacting with Muhoza group (led by silverback Muhoza). Apparently, there had been a fight early that morning before our arrival, which resulted in a couple of minor
- [TRANSCRIPT: Gorilla Doctors LIVE December 8, 2022](https://gorilladoctors.org/transcript-gorilla-doctors-live-december-8-2022/): Below is a written transcript for Gorilla Doctors LIVE, a virtual event that took place on Zoom on Thursday, December 8, 2022. DR. KIRSTEN – Welcome to Gorilla Doctors LIVE! Today we are going to take you deep into the forest of Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo
- [Gorilla Doctors DRC Team Receives Another Infant Chimpanzee Confiscated from Illegal Wildlife Trade](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-drc-team-receives-another-infant-chimpanzee-confiscated-from-illegal-wildlife-trade/): UPDATE: December 12, 2022 - We are really sad to report that this infant chimpanzee passed away after her arrival at Lwiro. Veterinarians there suspect that she may have had some liver disease, but they are awaiting lab results for final confirmation. Once they announce detailed results we will share another update. On December 1,
- [Dr. Eddy Goes to France](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-eddy-goes-to-france/): This week, Dr. Eddy Kambale Syaluha, our head veterinarian in DR Congo, is in Tours, France at a conference focused on One Health, infectious disease and tropical medicine. The conference is part of a new Pan African microMonkey Project (a model of international translational study to address the prevention of fungal infection in African great
- [Jackson Goes to Tshivanga Station](https://gorilladoctors.org/jackson-goes-to-tshivanga-station/): I am Jackson Mwenge. I serve as the Administrator for Gorilla Doctors in DR Congo. I have been with the organization since 2018. In 2021, we established a new field station at Kahuzi-Biega National Park as part of our expanded efforts to monitor the health of critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas. In my role as administrator
- [Snare Rescue in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/snare-rescue-in-bwindi-impenetrable-national-park/): On Wednesday April 27 Gorilla Doctors received an emergency call from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park rangers reporting that a sub-adult male mountain gorilla in Bitukura group had a wire snare around his left forearm. This is the second snare in Bwindi this year: in early January 2022 a blackback in Kahungye group was snared and
- [A Possible COVID-19 Silver Lining for Great Ape Conservation](https://gorilladoctors.org/a-possible-covid-19-silver-lining-for-great-ape-conservation/): Respiratory Health of Wild Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda Improved Since Start of Pandemic Mountain gorilla family. © Skyler Bishop for Gorilla Doctors Respiratory illness outbreaks among wild mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park have declined since the start of COVID-19, according to a “Correspondence” report in the journal Nature from Gorilla Doctors and the Rwanda Development
- [First Gorilla Snare Rescue of 2022](https://gorilladoctors.org/first-gorilla-snare-rescue-of-2022/): With only one snare removal in all of 2021, the start of the new year brought our first emergency call from Bwindi Impenetrable National park about a blackback caught in a snare. On Friday, January 7, Gorilla Doctors rushed into the forest to conduct a veterinary monitoring visit, assess the condition of the blackback and
- [Gorilla Doctors Board Chair to Name Infant Mountain Gorilla at Kwita Izina 2021](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-board-chair-to-name-infant-mountain-gorilla-at-kwita-izina-2021/): As part of Rwanda's annual Kwita Izina ceremony, Deborah Dunham, Gorilla Doctors Board Chair, is honored to name one of 24 new mountain gorilla infants Friday is Rwanda’s 17th annual Kwita Izina ceremony, a celebration of Rwanda’s mountain gorilla conservation success and commitment to the future of this endangered species. Friday also marks World Gorilla
- [Partners In Conservation](https://gorilladoctors.org/partners-in-conservation/): Partners In Conservation (PIC) is an organization based at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Columbus, Ohio. PIC has been a dedicated supporter of Gorilla Doctors since 1995. On the eve of their annual fundraiser – the Rwandan Fête – we are pleased to share the following conversation between PIC Co-founder and Manager, Jeff Ramsey
- [Gorilla Doctors Rescue Grauer’s Gorilla from Snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-rescue-grauers-gorilla-from-snare/): On the evening of Thursday, July 15, Dr. Eddy Kambale Syaluha, Gorilla Doctors Head Veterinarian in DR Congo, received a phone call from Kahuzi-Biega National Park: a 3.5-year-old male Grauer’s gorilla, Wilungula, was caught in a wire snare. Wilungula’s mother, Mukono had separated the wire from the stake in the ground, but the wire was
- [Press Release: Conservation Success Leads to New Challenges for Endangered Mountain Gorillas](https://gorilladoctors.org/press-release-conservation-success-leads-to-new-challenges-for-endangered-mountain-gorillas/): A scientific study published today in Scientific Reports suggests that new health challenges may be emerging as a result of conservationists’ success in pulling mountain gorillas back from the brink of extinction. Mountain gorilla family, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. © Gorilla Doctors The study, the first ever species-wide survey of parasite infections across the entire
- [Gorilla Doctors and Gorilla Adoptions](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-and-gorilla-adoptions/): Many of you are probably aware of the Reddit challenge supporting gorilla adoptions on the r/wallstreetbets group that went viral last week. It is an amazing testament to the positive good that can happen through technology and social platforms. Whenever a great ape conservation organization receives this level of attention and fundraising, it increases awareness
- [Chasing a dream while being chased by a gorilla](https://gorilladoctors.org/chasing-a-dream-while-being-chased-by-a-gorilla/): Our newest Gorilla Doctor in DR Congo, Fabrice Katembo Malonga, started in his position with us in July 2020. We decided to sit down and have a conversation about what he has learned so far, how the gorillas have surprised him, and what has been his biggest challenge. Dr. Fabrice Katembo Malonga, field veterinarian, DR
- [World Wildlife Day 2021](https://gorilladoctors.org/world-wildlife-day-2021/): “On 20 December 2013, at its 68th session, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 3 March – the day of signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973 – as UN World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals
- [Gorilla Guardians: How We Treat Wild Gorillas](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-guardians-how-we-treat-wild-gorillas/): Have you ever wondered how we provide veterinary care when our patients are wild and our hospital is the forest? In this post we take you step-by-step through a real intervention from 2019 when Dr. Fred, a true guardian of gorilla health, trekked deep into the forest to rescue a mountain gorilla from a snare
- [Captive western lowland gorillas proven susceptible to COVID-19](https://gorilladoctors.org/captive-western-lowland-gorillas-proven-susceptible-to-covid-19/): Today (January 12, 2021) it was announced that multiple western lowland gorillas at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park (in Escondido, California) tested positive for SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. To date, no wild, human-habituated eastern gorilla has tested positive for coronavirus. Scientific research conducted by Gorilla Doctors and collaborators has shown
- [Photography & Conservation: A Discussion with Ian Wood](https://gorilladoctors.org/photography-conservation-a-discussion-with-ian-wood/): This month through November 15th, UK-based wildlife photographer Ian Wood is auctioning a limited edition mountain gorilla photo signed by the legendary Sir David Attenborough (now on Netflix with A Life on Our Planet). Ian is donating 100% of the auction proceeds to Gorilla Doctors. He’s also selling a collection of limited edition prints on
- [The Greatest (in size) of the Great Apes](https://gorilladoctors.org/the-greatest-in-size-of-the-great-apes/): Grauer’s gorillas are not only the largest sub-species of gorilla, they are the largest primate on the planet. A silverback can reach up to 250kg (~550lbs) and stand over 2m (~6.5ft). Grauer’s, also called eastern lowland gorillas, are found only in eastern DR Congo. Grauer’s gorillas are classified as critically endangered by the International Union
- [UPDATE: Infant Theodore Thriving after Snare Removal](https://gorilladoctors.org/update-infant-theodore-thriving-after-snare-removal/): Back in July, Dr. Eddy and Jean-Paul successfully removed a snare from Theodore, a two-year-old infant mountain gorilla from Humba group in Virunga National Park, DR Congo. On September 23rd, Drs. Eddy and Fabrice (our newest Gorilla Doctor) conducted a routine health check of Humba group and found Theodore thriving. According to Dr. Eddy’s field
- [Gorilla Doctors Brings One Health to Gorillas and People in Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-brings-one-health-to-gorillas-and-people-in-rwanda/): Gorilla Doctors’ mission is to conserve wild mountain and eastern lowland (Grauer’s) gorillas using veterinary medicine, science and a One Health approach. One Health recognizes the intrinsic connection between people, animals and the environment – especially when the environment is shared, as is the case with people and wild gorillas in East-Central Africa, one of
- [Growing Up Gorilla Part 2: Kwita Izina](https://gorilladoctors.org/growing-up-gorilla-part-2-kwita-izina/): Kwita Izina - “to give a name” - is the annual Rwandan ceremony for naming each of the infant mountain gorillas born in the previous year. The celebration first began in 2004, inspired by the ancient Rwandan tradition of families gathering friends to welcome a new baby. The annual celebration honors not only the new
- [The Positive Ripple Effect of Saving One Mountain Gorilla](https://gorilladoctors.org/the-positive-ripple-effect-of-saving-one-mountain-gorilla/): Ruterana with newborn on August 31, 2020. © Gorilla Doctors Ruterana, a female mountain gorilla in Rushegura group, who just gave birth on August 29th, makes a great case for the importance of treating individual gorillas for the good of the entire species. Gorilla Doctors first started monitoring and treating Ruterana in 2012 for a
- [Guardians of Gorilla Health: Meet Team Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/guardians-of-gorilla-health-meet-team-rwanda/): This month we launched Meet the Gorilla Doctors: Guardians of Gorilla Health to introduce you in more detail than ever before to our dedicated team of Ugandan, Congolese and Rwandan veterinarians working to protect the health of endangered mountain gorillas and critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas. Their internationally-recognized work in conservation medicine, and infectious disease research
- [Guardians of Gorilla Health: Team DR Congo](https://gorilladoctors.org/guardians-of-gorilla-health-team-dr-congo/): Last week we launched Meet the Gorilla Doctors: Guardians of Gorilla Health to introduce you in more detail than ever before to our extraordinary team of Ugandan, Congolese and Rwandan veterinarians who work tirelessly to protect the health of endangered mountain gorillas and critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas. Their veterinary conservation medicine has been credited for
- [Guardians of Gorilla Health: Team Uganda](https://gorilladoctors.org/guardians-of-gorilla-health-team-uganda/): Gorilla Doctors began in 1986 as a single American veterinarian stationed in Rwanda. Today, Gorilla Doctors employs 10 full-time veterinarians from Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This extraordinary team works continuously throughout the year, on-call 24/7 to treat ill and injured mountain and Grauer’s gorillas. Over the next few weeks we’re going
- [Growing Up Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/growing-up-gorilla-doctors/): "The mountain gorillas will be extinct by 2000. We need a veterinarian on site." According to mountain gorilla lore, Dian Fossey said this to Ruth Morris Keesling at the international symposium, ‘What We Can Learn about Humankind from Apes,’ held in California in May 1981. The genesis of Gorilla Doctors began with those six words
- [Infant Mountain Gorilla Rescued from Snare in Volcanoes National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/infant-mountain-gorilla-rescued-from-snare-in-volcanoes-national-park/): On Sunday July 26th, Gorilla Doctors received an emergency call at 12:20PM from Volcanoes National Park staff – two-year-old infant Ineza of Igisha group was caught in a snare. Despite the time constraints (it was a minimum 90-minute hike after a 50-minute drive to reach the park entry point from Gorilla Doctors headquarters), Drs. Noel,
- [The Remarkable Healing of Silverback Gihishamwotsi](https://gorilladoctors.org/the-remarkable-healing-of-silverback-gihishamwotsi/): Sabyinyo group had been out of range for about 10-days when Volcanoes National Park rangers first spotted their return to the area on May 25th. Dominant silverback Gihishamwotsi had clearly been in a fight, with wounds all over his body, so rangers immediately reported his condition to Gorilla Doctors. We mobilized for a veterinary monitoring
- [Gorilla Doctors Rescue Infant Mountain Gorilla from Snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-rescue-infant-mountain-gorilla-from-snare-2/): On Saturday July 11th, Dr. Eddy Kambale Syaluha and Jean-Paul Lukusa successfully removed a snare from Theodore, a two-year-old infant mountain gorilla from Humba group in Virunga National Park, DR Congo. “Our passion is to protect gorillas.” ~ Jean-Paul Lukusa, Gorilla Doctors DRC Team, following the successful snare removal of Theodore Infant Theodore with snare
- [Growing Up Gorilla](https://gorilladoctors.org/growing-up-gorilla/): The first year of life is full of challenges when trying to grow into a strong, healthy gorilla in the wild! The greatest threats to infant mountain gorillas are trauma (e.g. snares, injuries) and illness, and health threats to infants can have population level impact over time1. In the case of endangered mountain gorillas where
- [How you can help gorillas in an increasingly virtual world](https://gorilladoctors.org/how-you-can-help-gorillas-in-an-increasingly-virtual-world/): At Gorilla Doctors, we regularly report on our work helping ill and injured mountain and Grauer’s gorillas with our hands-on veterinary care. But as you know, gorillas help one another all the time, and sometimes, even help Gorilla Doctors! Keep reading to learn more and discover different ways you can get involved and lend Gorilla
- [Update: Intervention to Treat Lead Silverback of Hirwa Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/update-intervention-to-treat-lead-silverback-of-hirwa-group/): On March 28th, Dr. Fred first treated Uburanga, the lead silverback of Hirwa group, for mild respiratory illness. In the following days of monitoring, Uburanga’s resipiratory signs resolved but he was mildly lame in his right leg. Dr. Fred administered a second dose of antibiotics on March 31st and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park rangers continued
- [Tracking Forward: A Note from our Executive Director](https://gorilladoctors.org/tracking-forward-a-note-from-our-executive-director/): “Dian, if ever you are going to contact gorillas, you must follow their tracks to where they are going rather than backtrack trails to where they’ve been.” ~ Alan Root, photographer This quote comes from Dian Fossey’s book, Gorillas in the Mist, as she recalled Alan’s gorilla tracking advice. It was January 6, 1967 and
- [Did you Know (Part 4 of 4): It's All Connected](https://gorilladoctors.org/did-you-know-part-4-of-4-its-all-connected/): As we confront the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us sheltering in our homes while we witness devastating losses around the world, it can be very easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. As discussed in Part 3 of our ‘Did you Know’ series, the emergence of the SARS CoV-2 virus and its rapid spread throughout the
- [Did you Know (Part 3 of 4): At the Forefront of Emerging Infectious Disease Research](https://gorilladoctors.org/did-you-know-part-3-of-4-at-the-forefront-of-emerging-infectious-disease-research/): In Part 1 of our ‘Did you Know’ series, we introduced the One Health scientific approach - recognizing that the health of people, animals and the environments we share are interconnected, and included some helpful definitions for understanding zoonotic disease (disease in humans caused by a pathogen that originated in animals). In Part 2, we
- [Did you Know (Part 2 of 4): Keeping Gorillas Healthy Everyday](https://gorilladoctors.org/did-you-know-part-2-of-4-keeping-gorillas-healthy-everyday/): 34…365…24…7…679…300…45…91…1/2 These numbers add up to a big win for mountain gorilla conservation. Keep reading to find out how… Mountain gorillas from Mishaya group, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. February 2020. Photo by Skyler Bishop © Gorilla Doctors In Part 2 of our 4-part series, we show you the heart of our work – providing
- [Did you Know (Part 1 of 4): Gorilla Doctors + COVID-19](https://gorilladoctors.org/did-you-know-part-1-of-4-gorilla-doctors-covid-19/): Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020, Gorilla Doctors has been reporting on our work to protect the health of the world’s endangered mountain and critically endangered eastern lowland (Grauer’s) gorillas. Our veterinary care is considered an ‘essential service’ by the governments of Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo
- [Gorilla Doctors Treat Lead Silverback of Hirwa Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-treat-lead-silverback-of-hirwa-group/): On March 28th and again on the 31st, Dr. Fred treated Uburanga, the dominant silverback of Hirwa group, for mild illness. We are happy to report he is recovering and returning to normal levels of activity. Here is a summary of his case and Dr. Fred’s interventions: Dominant silverback Uburanga pre-treatment. © Gorilla Doctors Hirwa
- [Our Work Continues](https://gorilladoctors.org/our-work-continues/): In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the work of Gorilla Doctors and our monitoring of gorilla health has become more important than ever as we are the only organization in the world dedicated to providing veterinary care to ill or injured eastern gorillas (mountain and Grauer’s). Together with government wildlife authorities we continue our
- [Coronavirus and Disease: How You Can Help Protect Mountain Gorillas](https://gorilladoctors.org/coronavirus-and-disease-how-you-can-help-protect-mountain-gorillas/): The Coronavirus (COVID) outbreak is naturally of serious concern and we have received some questions about eastern gorilla susceptibility to this novel virus. Gorilla Doctors has been on the forefront of research in emerging pandemic threats and zoonotic spillover for the past 10 years with our implementation of the USAID Emerging Pandemic Threats PREDICT project,
- [Mountain Gorilla Shida Receives Ongoing Treatment](https://gorilladoctors.org/mountain-gorilla-shida-receives-ongoing-treatment/): UPDATE: On February 17th, Dr. Ricky successfully administered a second dose of deworming medication and multi-vitamins. Shida was showing some improvement, while still shy and moving slowly, she was feeding more and her hair coat condition was also improving. START Original Post first published 2/14/2020 - You may remember Shida from last January, as she
- [Lightning Strikes Mountain Gorillas in Uganda](https://gorilladoctors.org/lightning-strikes-mountain-gorillas-in-uganda/): It is with great sadness we share this report with you. On Monday, February 3rd, Hirwa group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda) was struck by lightning during a severe storm, instantly killing four mountain gorillas in the group, including a pregnant female. Prior to the lightning strike, Hirwa group was comprised of 17 gorillas,
- [Gorilla Doctors Treat Mountain Gorillas for Respiratory Infection](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-treat-mountain-gorillas-for-respiratory-infection/): Since January 3rd, Gorilla Doctors Rwanda team has been closely monitoring and treating mountain gorillas in Isimbi group for a respiratory disease outbreak. What follows is a timeline of our monitoring visits, clinical interventions and a report on the unfortunate death of adult female Duhirwe and the loss of her pregnancy. We will post a
- [Silverback Munyinya Treated for Respiratory Infection](https://gorilladoctors.org/silverback-munyinya-treated-for-respiratory-infection-2/): On January 2nd, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park trackers first reported to Gorilla Doctors that dominant silverback Munyinya, had a mild cough. Munyinya leads Hirwa group, which crossed into Mgahinga from Volcanoes National Park back in August 2019. Munyinya’s condition deteriorated over the next few days, prompting a partial intervention on Sunday, January 5th. The following
- [Gorilla Doctors 20/20: A Letter from our Executive Director](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-20-20-a-letter-from-our-executive-director/): As the person with the honor and responsibility of leading Gorilla Doctors, I am still so amazed by Dian Fossey’s foresight in first identifying the need for a gorilla veterinarian in Rwanda in 1985 - she knew then that protecting the health of one gorilla could impact the entire species. And here we are, almost
- [Gorilla Doctors Host Global Diplomats](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-host-global-diplomats/): November saw a full visitor schedule to Gorilla Doctors’ regional headquarters in Rwanda, beginning with the opportunity to meet with the British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Ms. Joanne Lomas on November 17th. Drs. Julius Nziza and Jean Bosco (Noel) Noheri introduced Ms. Lomas to the work of Gorilla Doctors and our impact on mountain gorilla
- [BREAKING: New Mountain Gorilla Numbers Announced!](https://gorilladoctors.org/breaking-new-mountain-gorilla-numbers-announced/): Today in Kampala, Uganda (+11 hours ahead of PST), the Uganda Wildlife Authority announced the results of the 2018 Bwindi-Sarambwe mountain gorilla population survey, with mountain gorillas in this region increasing to a minimum of 459. When combined with the 2015-2016 population survey results in the Virunga Massif (604), the total world population of endangered
- [Gorilla Doctors Rescue Infant Mountain Gorilla from Snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-rescue-infant-mountain-gorilla-from-snare/): On August 17th at 3:20PM local time, park rangers in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park found an infant gorilla trapped in a poacher’s snare, hanging from a bamboo pole. The infant and mother were struggling to remove the snare while three silverbacks were chest-beating and charging, making it impossible for trackers to try and cut the
- [Injured Silverback Bukima - Intervention Report](https://gorilladoctors.org/injured-silverback-bukima-intervention-report/): On July 23, 2019, Gorilla Doctors’ Eddy and Martin performed a partial intervention on Bukima, the dominant silverback of Rugendo group in Virunga National Park, DR Congo, after he was severely injured in an interaction with lone silverback Sebagabo. This post summarizes their intervention report and the events leading to Bukima’s injuries. Drs. Eddy and
- [Two Mountain Gorilla Clinical Interventions - Notes from the Field](https://gorilladoctors.org/two-mountain-gorilla-clinical-interventions-notes-from-the-field/): This post summarizes two significant clinical interventions Gorilla Doctors performed in May and June. In both cases, the individual gorillas are still under regular monitoring but treatments had a significant impact in aiding recovery. Intervention: Kashundwe, adult female in Katwe group, severe eye injury/infection Location: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda Gorilla Doctors: Fred Nizeyimana and
- [Gorilla Doctors impact on Grauer's Gorillas: Iragi's new baby](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-impact-on-grauers-gorillas-iragis-new-baby/): On June 18th Gorilla Doctor Martin Kabuyaya conducted a routine health check of the Grauer’s gorilla group, Bonane, led by the silverback of same name in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DRC. Normally you’ll find updates from our routine health checks on social media but we felt this report warranted special attention as it highlights the long-term
- [Mountain Gorilla Respiratory Infection: Mafunzo Group, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/mountain-gorilla-respiratory-infection-mafunzo-group-volcanoes-national-park-rwanda/): On April 3rd, the trackers of Mafunzo group reported silverback Mafunzo was coughing frequently and infant Ukwiyunga was sneezing. Gorilla Doctors conducted their first veterinary monitoring visit the next day and has been monitoring the group nearly every day since. Below is Drs. Noel and Gaspard’s record of their care and monitoring of Mafunzo. Mafunzo
- [Gorilla Doctors Treat Another Elephant with Snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-treat-another-elephant-with-snare/): For the third time in two months, Gorilla Doctors Eddy Kambale, in partnership with Dr. Kizito Musubao, an ICCN veterinarian from Kahuzi-Biega National Park, was called upon to remove a snare from a sub-adult bull elephant inside Virunga National Park, DR Congo. Below is Dr. Eddy’s field report of the intervention and subsequent treatment. Elephant
- [Mafia the Silverback Mountain Gorilla: An Unusual Case](https://gorilladoctors.org/mafia-the-silverback-mountain-gorilla-an-unusual-case/): Gorilla Doctors is sad to report on the March 6th death of Mafia, a silverback with the Nyakagezi group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP), Uganda. Mafia’s case is unusual because he was one of four silverbacks in a group with only two adult females and two infants. Nyakagezi Group led by dominant silverback, Mark
- [Gorilla Doctors Lead One Health Workshop on Ebolavirus in DRC](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-lead-one-health-workshop-on-ebolavirus-in-drc/): Workshop: Awake Awareness: An Introduction for Health and Environmental Workers on the One Health approach and its use to reinforce control of the current Ebola outbreak Date: February 28, 2019 Location: Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo Participants: 8 Veterinarians, 3 Public Health Experts, 60 Laboratory Technicians On February 28, Gorilla Doctors convened a one-day workshop
- [Gorilla Doctors Perform Health Checks on Confiscated Primates in DR Congo](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-perform-health-checks-on-confiscated-primates-in-dr-congo/): As part of a multi-stakeholder Conservation Action Plan (CAP) funded by the Arcus Foundation and led by the Jane Goodall Institute, Gorilla Doctors contributes to the health monitoring of great apes in protected areas and sanctuaries across all areas where the CAP has been implemented. This can sometimes encompass caring for primates confiscated from the
- [Gorilla Doctors Treat Two Wounded Elephants](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-treat-two-wounded-elephants/): While our primary work is saving gorillas, central to our mission is a ‘One Health’ approach - understanding that the health of people, wildlife and ecosystems are inextricably linked - so when the security team from the Virunga National Park in DR Congo contacted us about an adult male elephant with a snare, our veterinary
- [First snare removal of 2019](https://gorilladoctors.org/first-snare-removal-of-2019/): Yesterday, January 27, 2019, Gorilla Doctors performed the year’s first emergency snare removal from a mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Shida, a 20-year old female still nursing her 3-year old infant, was found by trackers caught in a wire snare. At the time of their discovery, Shida was still attached to the
- [Gorilla Groups in Volcanoes National Park Suffer from Respiratory Illness](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-groups-in-volcanoes-national-park-suffer-from-respiratory-illness/): 2-day old infant of Nsanganira, in Ntambara Group, sleeps peacefully Our Gorilla Doctors team in Volcanoes National Park has been closely monitoring a respiratory outbreak in Sabyinyo group this month. Trackers first reported that some of the adults in this 18-member family were coughing. Over several visits, Drs. Noel, Gaspard and Adrien checked on all
- [New Great Ape Parasitology Book](https://gorilladoctors.org/new-great-ape-parasitology-book/): Gorilla Doctors is working with our government partners and colleagues on a comprehensive and collaborative study investigating the role of gastrointestinal parasites in causing illness in mountain gorillas. Among our collaborators are Klára Petrzelková and David Modry, parasitology experts based at the Czech Academy of Sciences and the University of Brno, Czech Republic. Klára and
- [Our Gorilla Doctors are Masters…Degree Holders!](https://gorilladoctors.org/our-gorilla-doctors-are-mastersdegree-holders/): Drs. Eddy Kambale (left) and Jean Bosco Noheri (Noel) at their master's degree graduation ceremony from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. The conservation of mountain and Grauer’s gorillas depends on the wholehearted commitment of the wildlife authorities and park personnel in all three countries with whom Gorilla Doctors works on a daily basis. The sustainability
- [US Ambassador to Uganda pays Gorilla Doctors a visit](https://gorilladoctors.org/us-ambassador-to-uganda-pays-gorilla-doctors-a-visit/): Our Gorilla Doctors Uganda team was delighted to welcome the Honorable Deborah Malac, United States Ambassador to Uganda, to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest this week. Ambassador Malac was travelling in the southwestern Uganda region to learn more about various USA-affiliated and supported programs and projects. She first made a stop at the Bwindi Community Hospital
- [Gorilla Doctors’s rapid rescue  of a juvenile gorilla caught in a snare in Bwindi](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctorss-rapid-rescue-of-a-juvenile-gorilla-caught-in-a-snare-in-bwindi/): On Monday this week, Dr. Fred received an urgent call from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that just after a tourist group finished their visit with the Mucunguzi group, an un-named juvenile female mountain gorilla got caught in a wire snare attached to a tree. Trackers said that the young gorilla was hanging from the tree
- [Another Day, Another Snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/another-day-another-snare/): Ingingo's arm caught in the rope snare This week, on Monday, October 15, a team of gorilla trackers in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) found Ingingo, a female infant mountain gorilla in Amahoro group, caught in a snare that had been rigged in a section of bamboo forest. Gorilla Doctors was alerted right away, and our
- [Gorilla Doctors takes a bite of The Big Apple](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-takes-a-bite-of-the-big-apple/): Gorilla Doctors board and staff at GDNY 2018 Gorilla Doctors board members were on the East Coast on October 4 for the inaugural “GDNY” benefit event in New York City, chaired by Tim Campbell. The event netted approximately $80,000 to support Gorilla Doctors work to provide life-saving veterinary care to wild mountain and Grauer’s gorillas
- [A first for Gorilla Doctors: rescue of a semi-habituated mountain gorilla from a snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/a-first-for-gorilla-doctors-rescue-of-a-semi-habituated-mountain-gorilla-from-a-snare/): By Dr. Eddy Kambale In the middle of September, our Gorilla Doctors team in DR Congo received a report from Virunga National Park rangers that an approximately 6-year-old male mountain gorilla in a group that has been undergoing habituation since March had a snare around its leg. Habituation is a lengthy process, requiring daily visits
- [Gorilla Days](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-days/): At Gorilla Doctors, every day is a Gorilla Day – every day, we are reminded of the majesty of these incredible animals, and feel privileged to be able to contribute to their conservation. But it was particularly fun to join YOU in the global celebration of World Gorilla Day on September 24. Whether you simply
- [ABAXIS EQUIPS THE GORILLA DOCTORS… AGAIN!](https://gorilladoctors.org/abaxis-equips-the-gorilla-doctors-again/): Abaxis’ Baerbel Kohler trains staff on the use of the new microscope donated to Gorilla Doctors. By Dr. Methode Bahizi For many years Gorilla Doctors has been extremely fortunate to receive support from Abaxis Europe (Germany), which manufactures clinical laboratory equipment. The portable, patient-side i-STAT machines that Abaxis first donated, which Gorilla Doctors uses
- [Gorilla Doctors in Nairobi](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-in-nairobi/): Dr. Ricky and his winning photo of Buzinza's baby The week of August 18-24, Drs. Mike, Eddy, Ricky and Gaspard attended the International Primatological Society (IPS) congress in Nairobi, Kenya. The IPS Congress is held every two years, and is the most important meeting of biologists, ecologists, anthropologists, and veterinarians studying and conserving primates around
- [An update on Gorilla Doctors work in Democratic Republic of the Congo](https://gorilladoctors.org/an-update-on-gorilla-doctors-work-in-democratic-republic-of-the-congo/): As many of you know, two British tourists, their driver and their park ranger escorts were attacked while heading up from Goma to Virunga National Park in May. One ranger was killed, and the tourists and driver were kidnapped and held for 48 hours until their release. As a result of this tragic event, and
- [Bwindi Silverbacks sustain severe wounds requiring treatment](https://gorilladoctors.org/bwindi-silverbacks-sustain-severe-wounds-requiring-treatment/): Silverback Rushenya's wound This summer our Gorilla Doctors Uganda team has made multiple forest calls deep inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to treat silverback gorillas for wounds sustained during fights between adult males jockeying for control. Silverback Rushenya, leader of the Bikingi group, was first observed with extensive wounds on May 24th after a severe
- [Black Point Group's David Shaw Visits Virunga National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/black-point-groups-david-shaw-visits-virunga-national-park/): GUEST POST By David E. Shaw, Black Point Group In June 2018 I traveled to Virunga National Park in Rwanda to fulfill a long-held goal to see mountain gorillas in the wild. It was a wonderful experience, made even more extraordinary by time I was able to spend with Dr. Michael Cranfield of Gorilla Doctors.
- [Stitches for Kalembezi in Uganda](https://gorilladoctors.org/stitches-for-kalembezi-in-uganda/): On July 10, trackers in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) spotted blackback Kalembezi of Rushegura group with serious facial injuries. His wounds appeared to be painful, as his movements were slow. Bwindi trackers suspected the injuries were the result of a fight Kalembezi had with an unhabituated gorilla group ranging nearby. Our Gorilla Doctors team
- [Census Results: 1,004 Mountain Gorillas Now in the Wild, Largest Population Recorded](https://gorilladoctors.org/census-results-1004-mountain-gorillas-now-in-the-wild-largest-population-recorded/): The latest census results of mountain gorillas living in the Virunga Massif is news worth celebrating! There are now 604 gorillas in 2016 compared to 480 in 2010. When combined with the estimated 400 gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, there are now 1,004 mountain gorillas surviving in the wild — more than ever
- [Gorilla Doctors Announces Emmy Rossum as Goodwill Ambassador](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-announces-emmy-rossum-as-goodwill-ambassador/): Photo credit: Emmy Rossum & Sam Esmail Gorilla Doctors, an international team of veterinarians providing life-saving care to wild endangered mountain and Grauer’s gorillas in east-central Africa, today announces the appointment of actor Emmy Rossum as Goodwill Ambassador. Currently starring in the Showtime television series “Shameless,” the award-winning actor is a long-time advocate of
- [Sabyinyo Group (PHOTOS)](https://gorilladoctors.org/sabyinyo-group-photos/): Please enjoy some recent images of Sabyinyo group. The group was visited twice in April to assess the health of 2 infants (Umuhati and Ubusabane) who were reportedly had skin lesions on their hands and feet. The last veterinary assessment reported signs of significant improvement on both infants without necessitating a veterinary intervention. A follow-up visit
- [Dr. John Bosco Nizeyi retires from Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-john-bosco-nizeyi-retires-from-gorilla-doctors/): Gorilla Doctors announces the retirement of its long-standing Capacity Development Coordinator, Dr. John Bosco Nizeyi. Dr. Nizeyi (called “JBN” by his Gorilla Doctors colleagues) served the Gorilla Doctors for 25 years. He first served as our Uganda field veterinarian and then shifted to Makerere University in Kampala. At Makerere, JBN was in charge of ensuring
- [Welcome Donna, New Development Officer](https://gorilladoctors.org/welcome-donna-new-development-officer/): Last week, Gorilla Doctors welcomed Ms. Donna M. Platt as its new Development Officer. Donna is based in Texas, and has worked in fundraising and advancement for more than 20 years. She has a broad background in all facets of development, with a history of success at the Houston Zoo, Houston PBS and Pacifica Radio,
- [In Memoriam: Ruth Morris Keesling](https://gorilladoctors.org/in-memoriam-ruth-morris-keesling/): Today Gorilla Doctors honors the life of Ms. Ruth Morris Keesling, the founder of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project. Ruth passed away on April 18, 2018 surrounded by her family. Ruth’s incredible dedication to mountain gorillas, the admiration she had for Dian Fossey, and her love of Rwanda resulted in the establishment of the Volcanoes
- [Injured Elephant Gets Medical Help from Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/injured-elephant-gets-medical-help-from-gorilla-doctors/): It's hard to predict an average day in the life of a Gorilla Doctors veterinarian. One day could be full of office work; the next could be spent trekking through national parks in pouring rain to track down an injured or ill wild gorilla. As unpredictable as the work can be, our teams are always
- [Juvenile Kabunga Much Improved After a Gorilla Doctors House Call](https://gorilladoctors.org/juvenile-kabunga-much-improved-after-a-gorilla-doctors-house-call/): On March 5th, Dr. Ricky trekked into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park following reports from park authorities that a juvenile mountain gorilla named Kabunga in Rushegura group was very weak. He was not eating and was being left behind by the rest of his group. His mother, Buzinza, is the female who our Uganda team treated
- [Gorilla Doctors Helps Get 2018 Bwindi-Sarambwe Census Underway](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-helps-get-2018-bwindi-sarambwe-census-underway/): Every 5 years or so, the governments of Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) work together with gorilla conservation partners to do a complete population count, or census, of mountain gorillas. The programs are staggered: the most recent census of the Virunga Massif was conducted in 2016, and in mid-March, the Bwindi
- [US & Swedish Dignitaries Visit Gorilla Doctors in Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/us-swedish-dignitaries-visit-gorilla-doctors-in-rwanda/): L-R: Matt Steed, Mike Cranfield, US Ambassador Erica Barks-Ruggles, Prosper Uwingeli, Ursula Iszler, and Swedish Ambassador Jenny Ohlsson standing in front of a newly-installed water tanks On Monday March 5th Gorilla Doctors hosted the American Ambassador to Rwanda, the Honorable Erica Barks-Ruggles, and Sweden’s Ambassador to Rwanda, the Honorable Jenny Ohlsson, at our regional
- [Silverback in Sabyinyo Group Treated for Respiratory Infection](https://gorilladoctors.org/silverback-in-sabyinyo-group-treated-for-respiratory-infection/): Silverback Gihishamwotsi of Sabyinyo group On February 2nd, Gorilla Doctors veterinarians Drs. Gaspard and Methode, accompanied by RDB veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth, hiked into Volcanoes National Park to follow-up on reports from park trackers that several members of Sabyinyo group were showing signs of respiratory illness. Silverback Gihishamwotsi in particular was quite sick, and his condition
- [UPDATE: Rescued Gorilla Orphan Musuka (a.k.a. Yalala)](https://gorilladoctors.org/update-rescued-gorilla-orphan-musuka-a-k-a-yalala/): Musuka eating a snack As many of you know, last year our Gorilla Doctors in DR Congo saved the life of an infant mountain gorilla caught in a snare. She had been trapped for more than six days, left behind by her family and exposed to the elements, and lost all blood flow to her
- [THIS is why we do our work!](https://gorilladoctors.org/this-is-why-we-do-our-work/): Every day that our Gorilla Doctors are in the forest to check on the health of mountain and Grauer’s gorillas, we are reminded about why we do our work: these animals are magnificent and inspiring, and their conservation and well-being is our #1 goal. But sometimes, a very special reminder comes along that confirms that
- [Rushegura Group Matriarch Buzinza Treated for Arm Injury](https://gorilladoctors.org/rushegura-group-matriarch-buzinza-treated-for-arm-injury/): Earlier this month, Gorilla Doctors was alerted by trackers in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) that adult female Buzinza of Rushegura group appeared to be favoring one of her arms. Our Gorilla Doctors team immediately hiked into the forest to perform a veterinary assessment to determine the severity of her injury. When they confirmed that
- [Death of Silverback Noel](https://gorilladoctors.org/death-of-silverback-noel/): A silverback in the Rugendo group of Virunga National Park died in late November after extensive efforts to save his life. Gorilla Doctors Africa Director Dr. Mike Cranfield provided his account of this intense and emotional case: Following reports that Noël had seriously injured himself after falling out of a tree, our Head DRC Field
- [Death of Silverback Kanyonyi](https://gorilladoctors.org/death-of-silverback-kanyonyi/): It is with deep sadness that we report the death of another silverback: Kanyonyi, 21 year old leader of Mubare group, died on December 9th after sustaining serious injuries during multiple attacks by a solitary silverback named Maraya. Kanyonyi was made more vulnerable to attack following a fall from a tree on September 2nd. He
- [DRC Head Field Vet Dr. Eddy Travels to California for Gorilla Workshop](https://gorilladoctors.org/drc-head-field-vet-dr-eddy-travels-to-california-for-gorilla-workshop/): by Dr. Eddy Kambala Syaluha On October 15, 2017, I was honored to receive an invitation from the Santa Barbara Zoo (through the DRC wildlife institution, Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature / Virunga National Park) to attend the Western Regional Gorilla Workshop in California. This was to be an all-expenses-paid trip for
- [Gorilla Doctors’ West Coast Swing](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-west-coast-swing/): by Kirsten Gilardi, US Director Dr. Eddy’s wonderfully unexpected trip to California earlier this month presented Gorilla Doctors with some great opportunities to reach out to our donors to say THANK YOU in person at events in Seattle and Los Angeles. Along the way, we made many new friends for Gorilla Doctors too. After Eddy
- [Capacity Building Efforts Underway at Lwiro Primate Sanctuary](https://gorilladoctors.org/capacity-building-efforts-underway-at-lwiro-primate-sanctuary/): Gorilla Doctors mentors the next generation of wildlife health experts in the region by sponsoring educational training programs in close cooperation with African schools and universities, and by supporting its staff in professional continuing education. In an effort to expand capacity building efforts in DRC, Gorilla Doctors partnered with Lwiro Primate Sanctuary (CRPL) and hired veterinarian
- [Dr. Gaspard Named Silent Hero of the Month](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-gaspard-named-silent-hero-of-the-month/): Gorilla Doctors is pleased to share that our Rwanda Field Veterinarian, Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga, has been named the Silent Hero of the Month by Dr. Hayley Adams’ Silent Heroes Foundation! Not only does Dr. Gaspard work tirelessly to monitor the health of the habituated mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, he has also stepped up
- [Pungwe Group Grauer's Gorilla Baby in Kahuzi Biega National Park Freed from Wire Snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/pungwe-group-grauers-gorilla-baby-in-kahuzi-biega-national-park-freed-from-wire-snare/): Photos by Marcus Westberg of Life Through a Lens Photography In a collaborative intervention between Gorilla Doctors DRC Field Vet Dr. Martin Kabuyaya, Gorilla Doctors vet and Lwiro Veterinary Advisor Dr. Luis Flores, and Lwiro Primate Sanctuary veterinarian Dr. Lina Nturubika as well as Kahuzi Biega National Park rangers, a baby Grauer’s gorilla in the
- [Partners in Conservation Hosts Annual Rwandan Fête Fundraiser at Columbus Zoo](https://gorilladoctors.org/partners-in-conservation-hosts-annual-rwandan-fete-fundraiser-at-columbus-zoo/): On Saturday, September 23rd, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium hosted the 22nd annual Rwandan Fête, an event to raise funds for Partners in Conservation projects, such as Gorilla Doctors and other organizations working in Rwanda and the DRC. “Partners in Conservation was created by Columbus Zoo staff and docents in response to the dramatic force
- [Drs. Fred and Ricky Attend AAZV Conference in Dallas, Texas](https://gorilladoctors.org/drs-fred-and-ricky-attend-aazv-conference-in-dallas-texas/): In late September, Drs. Fred and Ricky made the long trip from Uganda to Dallas, Texas for the 49th annual American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) conference at the Dallas Zoo. Generous Gorilla Doctors supporters Barbara and Lewis Hollweg hosted our Uganda Field Vets while they were in Dallas and our team would like to
- [Silverback Bukima Protects Intervention Team as Field Vets Work to Free Ensnared Baby](https://gorilladoctors.org/silverback-bukima-protects-intervention-team-as-field-vets-work-to-free-ensnared-baby/): Drs. Eddy and Martin were notified by Innocent Mburanumwe, Virunga National Park's Chief Warden, that a baby mountain gorilla named Mayani had become caught in a poacher's snare on September 3rd. Trackers found Rugendo group members attempting to free Janja's baby from the nylon snare, which was wrapped tightly around his left wrist. Mayani's hand
- [New Mountain Gorilla Babies Named in 13th Annual Kwita Izina Ceremony](https://gorilladoctors.org/new-mountain-gorilla-babies-named-in-13th-annual-kwita-izina-ceremony/): On Friday September 1, the Rwanda Development Board hosted the 13th annual Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony in Kingi, Rwanda, a town nestled at the base of Volcanoes National Park. Kwita Izina is inspired by the traditional Rwandese naming custom following the birth of a new baby. In attendance for Kwita Izina 2017 was the
- [Gorilla Sculpture Unveiled at the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-sculpture-unveiled-at-the-karen-c-drayer-wildlife-health-center/): by Justin Cox In late 2015, California artist Lisa Reinertson donated a beautiful fired-clay sculpture, Sleep of Reason, to the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center. On Thursday night, the 6-1/2 foot tall piece was unveiled at a ceremony in which Reinertson shared her gratitude for Gorilla Doctors’ work and explained the inspiration and meaning
- [Dr. Noel Named 2017 Wildlife Warrior by Houston Zoo](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-noel-named-2017-wildlife-warrior-by-houston-zoo/): We are pleased to share that our very own Dr. Noel has been named a 2017 Wildlife Warrior by the Houston Zoo! Our Rwanda Field Vet, who has been with Gorilla Doctors since 2009, monitors the health of all of the habituated mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and intervenes to administer treatment to sick
- [Ensnared Youngster “Yalala” Making Remarkable Recovery](https://gorilladoctors.org/ensnared-youngster-yalala-making-remarkable-recovery/): After a poacher’s snare nearly took her life, the Gorilla Doctors team is pleased to see young mountain gorilla Yalala making such a remarkable recovery. Our Head DRC Field Vet Dr. Eddy Kambale attributes her recovery to her strong, feisty personality. “She has been through a serious ordeal and endured a lot of stress from
- [Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe Supports Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/berggorilla-regenwald-direkthilfe-supports-gorilla-doctors/): This month, Gorilla Doctors was thrilled to receive news from Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe’s Dr. Angela Meder that an anonymous donor wished to support the conservation of the Virunga Massif’s eastern gorillas. The donor made a generous gift of almost $23,000 to help fund Gorilla Doctors' field activities in Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC. http://www.berggorilla.org/
- [Intra-Group Fight In Bwindi's Bweza Group Leaves Silverbacks Injured](https://gorilladoctors.org/intra-group-fight-in-bwindis-bweza-group-leaves-silverbacks-injured/): When powerful silverbacks jostle for dominance within a group, they can sustain some pretty serious injuries. Over the last thirty years, Gorilla Doctors field veterinarians have watched these impressive males make miraculous recoveries, many times without the need of veterinary intervention. After an interaction, if any gorillas are wounded, our field vets will return to
- [Jess Burbridge Rejoins Gorilla Doctors Team](https://gorilladoctors.org/jess-burbridge-rejoins-gorilla-doctors-team/): This week, the Gorilla Doctors team welcomed back Jess Burbridge as the new Development and Communications Officer. Jess served as the Gorilla Doctors Director of Marketing and Communications from October 2012 to January 2015, and in that position, she created and maintained all of the organization’s outreach materials such as the website, social media channels,
- [Orphan in Isabukuru Group Rescued from a Snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/orphan-in-isabukuru-group-rescued-from-a-snare/): Fasha's swollen foot with visible lesion caused by rope snare By Dr. Noel On April 6, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund trackers noticed that Fasha, a 4-year old male in the Isabukuru group, was not with the rest of his family. They searched for him and finally found him later that day, more than 1/2
- [Death of Cantsbee?](https://gorilladoctors.org/death-of-cantsbee/): Cantsbee was a 38-year old silverback mountain gorilla in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda who was part of the original group named by the legendary Dian Fossey and still studied by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. He first went missing from Pablo group on October 10, 2016 and thankfully reappeared in his group months later, on
- [Death of Silverback Giraneza](https://gorilladoctors.org/death-of-silverback-giraneza/): Giraneza seated with infant After going missing from his group for three days, trackers finally found silverback Giraneza on May 7, 2017. By then he was already showing signs of being ill. A veterinary assessment conducted by our veterinarians two days later revealed that he had a mild upper respiratory infection as well as a
- [Dr. Luis Flores at Lwiro](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-luis-flores-at-lwiro/): By Dr. Luis Flores I arrived at the Centre de Rehabilitation des Primates de Lwiro in the Democratic Republic of the Congo last October 17, 2016. I love working here and have a very nice relationship with the local people as well as our Congolese partners, which is one of the most important things to
- [Death of Silverback Isabukuru](https://gorilladoctors.org/death-of-silverback-isabukuru/): By Dr. Julius Nziza Gorilla Doctors is deeply saddened to report that silverback Isabukuru died on Sunday, March 26 in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). He was the 24-year old half-brother of Cantsbee, caregiver to several orphaned juveniles in his group, and a formidable silverback in his prime. Isabukuru had battled intermittent diarrhea for many months,
- [Silverback Bukima Treated for Respiratory Infection](https://gorilladoctors.org/silverback-bukima-treated-for-respiratory-infection/): Early on March 6 Dr. Eddy received a call from Virunga National Park that silverback Bukima, the leader of Rugendo group, was staying longer than usual in his night nest, and had been observed coughing and having a runny nose for the past two days. Gorilla Doctors mobilized quickly to check on Bukima and his
- [Untimely Goodbye to "Baby Fred"](https://gorilladoctors.org/untimely-goodbye-to-baby-fred/): On the morning of February 17, 8.5 year old juvenile mountain gorilla Nvuyekure (nicknamed "Baby Fred") was reported by Mgahinga National Park personnel in Uganda to be severely wounded. Gorilla Doctors' own Dr. Fred quickly mobilized to conduct a full investigation. Based on his findings during a post-mortem exam of Nvuyekure's carcass, we suspect that
- [Routine Health Check on the Rushegura group (PHOTOS)](https://gorilladoctors.org/routine-health-check-on-the-rushegura-group-photos/): On Wednesday January 18, 2017 Gorilla Doctors veterinarian Dr. Ricky Okwir and a team of rangers, guides, and support staff hiked into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a routine health check on the Rushegura group. They found the gorillas resting and feeding near a hydroelectric power station in Buhoma. The composition and dynamics of the group have changed
- [Intervention on infant with parasite infestation](https://gorilladoctors.org/intervention-on-infant-with-parasite-infestation/): By Dr. Fred An unnamed infant in the Bikingi group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, was observed by trackers with an abnormally distended belly earlier this month. He was ambulating independently but with difficulty due to his sagging belly. Distended abdomens can be an indication that an animal has very low protein levels in
- [Infant in Hirwa group successfully treated for respiratory infection](https://gorilladoctors.org/infant-in-hirwa-group-successfully-treated-for-respiratory-infection/): By Dr. Noel Gorilla Doctors have been keeping a close watch on a bout of respiratory illness affecting several members of the Hirwa group in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). Signs have been mostly mild, so we were taking a conservative approach and letting the outbreak resolve on its own. But last week Igikombe, the infant
- [Isabukuru group loses infant Kura](https://gorilladoctors.org/isabukuru-group-loses-infant-kura/): Isaro and her twins On January 8, 2017 a clash between the Isabukuru and Musilikale groups in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) sadly resulted in the death of infant Kura just days before her first birthday. Kura's death comes just one year after the remarkable birth of her and her twin to adult female Isaro in
- [Infant in Susa-Kurira group rescued from a snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/infant-in-susa-kurira-group-rescued-from-a-snare/): By Drs. Noel Bosco & Gaspard Nzayisenga On December 21, 2016 our team trekked into Volcanoes National Park Rwanda to conduct a veterinary assessment and intervention for Icyogere, a 2-year old infant in the Susa-Kurira group who had been seen walking with a wire snare caught on his left arm. We found him with a
- [Bwindi's Habinyanja group loses orphan Tweheyo](https://gorilladoctors.org/bwindis-habinyanja-group-loses-orphan-tweheyo/): Tweheyo's father, silverback Makara Tweheyo had been orphaned since October 2015 after the disappearance of his mother Elsa. Since then he had been cared for by his father, silverback Makara. In February of this year, Gorilla Doctors noted that the infant had a very distended belly and had difficulty moving as a result of the
- [Dr. Eddy in Mexico](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-eddy-in-mexico/): By Dr. Eddy How it started: On September 2, 2016 I received an email from Maria Martinez, head of the Education Department at the Guadalajara Zoo, inviting me to be a Keynote Speaker at the International Gorilla Workshop 2016 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. I couldn't believe it at first. My first thought was that it
- [Baby in Mapuwa Group Rescued From Snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/baby-in-mapuwa-group-rescued-from-snare/): By Dr. Eddy Kambale We received a call from the Chief Warden in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo on October 2 after an ensnared baby was seen in the Mapuwa group during routine monitoring by rangers and trackers. The Mapuwa group consists of 22 gorillas, including 3 silverbacks (Mapuwa, Mvuyekure and Mambo), 1 blackback (Gourba), 6 adult females, 2 sub-adult males, 5 juveniles,
- [Grateful Dead Fans Come Together to Donate $1,650 to Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/grateful-dead-fans-come-together-to-donate-1650-to-gorilla-doctors/): Oteil and Jess Burbridge in Rwanda. By Justin Cox Traci Thaler met Oteil Burbridge during a chance encounter on a plane flight last New Year’s Eve. She immediately recognized him as the bassist for Dead & Company – the current incarnation of the Grateful Dead, which features original members alongside musicians like John Mayer and Burbridge, who
- [Routine Health Check on the Habinyanja group (PHOTOS)](https://gorilladoctors.org/routine-health-check-on-the-habinyanja-group-photos/): Adult in the Habinyanja group resting in a tree On Sunday September 18, 2016 Gorilla Doctors veterinarian Dr. Ricky Okello hiked into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a routine health check on the Habinyanja group. Dr. Ricky noticed another wild, unhabituated gorilla group roaming near the Habinyanja group, but the presence of the wild group did not seem to have a significant impact on
- [Rwanda Cultural Day](https://gorilladoctors.org/rwanda-cultural-day/): By Kirsten Gilardi, DVM Co-Director, Gorilla Doctors I had the pleasure of attending Rwanda Cultural Day 2016, held Saturday, September 24 in San Francisco, California. My husband, James, and our friends Dr. Michael Wilkes (UC Davis School of Medicine) and his wife Dr. Maggie Rea, who have lived and worked in Rwanda, joined by perhaps
- [Amahoro Group Loses Newborn Twins](https://gorilladoctors.org/amahoro-group-loses-newborn-twins/): Kalisimbi, mother of the twins. A female in Amahoro group was spotted with newborn twin babies late last month, but unfortunately Gorilla Doctors learned the following day that neither baby survived its first day of life. After the mother, Kalisimbi, carried both dead infants all night, she dropped one of the babies the following day
- [Two Kyagurilo Gorillas Injured in Altercation Between Groups](https://gorilladoctors.org/two-kyagurilo-gorillas-injured-in-altercation-between-groups/): Rukara's lesion on his mouth Gorilla Doctors veterinarians in Bwindi National Park are keeping a close eye on two gorillas from the Kyaguliro group after they suffered injuries during an altercation with an unhabituated gorilla group in the area. Rukara, the dominant silverback in the Kyagurilo group and Kabandizea, one of two blackbacks, were reported
- [Orphaned Grauer’s Gorilla Transferred to GRACE](https://gorilladoctors.org/orphaned-grauers-gorilla-transferred-to-grace/): Photo by Adam Kiefer By Joost Philippa An orphaned Grauer’s gorilla moved to her new home at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) Center in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last week. Lulingu is a 1 1/2-year-old female Grauer’s gorilla who was confiscated from poachers by the Congolese wildlife authority (ICCN) in February.
- [Gorilla Doctors treat severe snare injury in a juvenile mountain gorilla in Virunga National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-treat-severe-snare-injury-in-a-juvenile-mountain-gorilla-in-virunga-national-park/): Note: The bottom of this post has a somewhat graphic photo of the snare and its wounds. By Joost Pilippa Last week, Dr. Eddy received a phone call that Mutangazi, a juvenile male mountain gorilla, was caught in a snare in the Mikeno sector of Virunga National Park, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Earlier
- [Rest in peace, Dunia](https://gorilladoctors.org/rest-in-peace-dunia/): It is with great sadness that we announce that Dunia, a 10-year-old female Grauer’s gorilla living at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) Center in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), died unexpectedly after a sudden onset of severe intestinal illness. Gorilla Doctors cared for Dunia for years, initially while she was based in
- [Gorilla Doctors treats Sabyinyo silverback after respiratory outbreak](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-treats-sabyinyo-silverback-after-respiratory-outbreak/): By Dr. NOHELI Jean Bosco In Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, the silverback of Sabyinyo group, Gihishamwotsi, was observed by park personnel with signs of respiratory illness, including coughing and nasal discharge, lethargy and poor appetite, prompting Gorilla Doctors veterinarians to take a closer look. On March 28, when Gihishamwotsi’s status was reported to be deteriorating,
- [Drastic Decline of Grauer’s Gorillas in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo](https://gorilladoctors.org/drastic-decline-of-grauers-gorillas-in-eastern-democratic-republic-of-congo/): Wildlife conservationists around the world are ringing alarms this week, as the Congolese wildlife authority (ICCN), Wildlife Conservation Society and Fauna & Flora International just released a groundbreaking report on the status of wild Grauer’s gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri) in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is estimated that there has been a
- [Baboon and Chimpanzee Receive Pain-Relieving Dental Work in Lwiro](https://gorilladoctors.org/baboon-and-chimpanzee-receive-pain-relieving-dental-work-in-lwiro/): By Joost Philippa Gorilla Doctors provides veterinary support to the primate sanctuary (CRPL) in Lwiro, DRC. On a recent visit, I noticed that one of the baboons, Shumbi, had a swelling below his eye, along with some discharge. That could be a sign of a tooth abscess. Upon further observation, I noticed that his teeth
- [Gorillas and Killer Whales: What’s the Connection?](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorillas-and-killer-whales-whats-the-connection/): Photo by Joe Gaydos By Dr. Kirsten Gilardi Gorilla Doctors Co-Director In the transboundary Salish Sea that stretches from Washington State in the United states into British Columbia in Canada, there are 84 killer whales that live in close proximity to almost 7 million people. Killer whales (Orcinus orca) range worldwide, but this particular population, called
- [Baby Gorilla Rescued in Kahuzi Biega National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/baby-gorilla-rescued-in-kahuzi-biega-national-park/): By Dr. Joost Philippa Gorilla Doctors helped the Congolese wildlife authority rescue a baby gorilla late last month. Baby Lulingu is alive and well and safe at the Senkekwe Center in Virunga National Park. The Kahuzi Biega National Park director received a call on February 29 from Lulingu and Nzovu ranger station
- [Audio: Disease Risks in the Parks & the One Health Approach](https://gorilladoctors.org/audio-disease-risks-in-the-parks-the-one-health-approach/): Because gorillas and humans are so genetically similar, they are vulnerable to one another's diseases. The gorilla tourism industry in Africa, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, puts both species in close proximity on a daily basis. Park rules state that visitors must stay 7 meters away from the gorillas at all times,
- [Gorilla Doctors Team Talks Infectious Diseases in Dubai](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-team-talks-infectious-diseases-in-dubai/): By Kirsten Gilardi and Mike Cranfield Back row: Denis Byarugaba, Julius Nziza, Jonna Mazet, Benard Ssebide, Mike Cranfield, and Julius Lutwama. Front row: Ivan Emil, Eddy Kambale and Kirsten Gilardi. Last week, Gorilla Doctors team members travelled to Dubai (United Arab Emirates) to attend a global meeting for the PREDICT Project, which conducts global surveillance
- [New Baby Born to Rushegura Group in Uganda (PHOTOS)](https://gorilladoctors.org/new-baby-born-to-rushegura-group-in-uganda-photos/): By Dr. Ricky Okello A new baby has been born to the Rushegura group in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The baby, a male, is not yet named, but we’ll be sure to let you know when that changes. The mother, Kibande, delivered the baby on the night of January 3, just one day after
- [Gorilla Doctors Helps Write IUCN Best Practices for Great Ape Health and Disease Monitoring](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-helps-write-iucn-best-practices-for-great-ape-health-and-disease-monitoring/): Great apes and humans share susceptibility to potentially dangerous pathogens because they are phylogenetically so closely related. As human activities like great ape tourism and research increase along with more widespread development of lands for human use, people are coming into increasingly close contact with great apes. Such close contact increases the risk that human
- [Rwanda Field Vets Free Juvenile Itorero from Rope Snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/rwanda-field-vets-free-juvenile-itorero-from-rope-snare/): Juvenile Itorero in Musilikale group in Rwanda. Itorero, a juvenile gorilla in Volcanoes National Park’s Musilikale group, was freed from a poacher’s snare in a veterinary intervention by Gorilla Doctors, with support from Fossey Fund Karisoke trackers on November 20th. Trackers reported the young gorilla was seen with a rope snare wrapped around his right
- [California Sculptor Lisa Reinertson to Donate Gorilla Sculpture to WHC](https://gorilladoctors.org/california-sculptor-lisa-reinertson-to-donate-gorilla-sculpture-to-whc/): "Sleep of Reason" California artist Lisa Reinertson created the incredible sculpture, Sleep of Reason, and would like to donate her gorilla sculpture to the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center (WHC), the UC Davis home of Gorilla Doctors. The sculpture, standing 6-1/2 feet tall, will be permanently placed in the public foyer of the WHC building on campus. The artist has pledged
- [Intervention to Release Ensnared Adult Female Busime in Pungwe Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/intervention-to-release-ensnared-adult-female-busime-in-pungwe-group/): by Dr. Eddy Kambale Pungwe, a group of 18 Grauer’s gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park, has been in the process of being habituated to human presence for tourism and research for about two years now. Drs. Eddy and Martin have been visiting the group regularly to assess the group members health, but last month,
- [Dr. Joost Visits Grauer’s Orphans at GRACE](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-joost-visits-grauers-orphans-at-grace/): by Joost Philippa My new position as the Regional Coordinator began in August and since then, I have been based in Rwanda at the Gorilla Doctors HQ in Musanze. Recently I was able to make my first visit to DRC. It’s always exciting to visit new places and cultures… especially when the differences are quite
- [Gorilla Love II at Hinoki & the Bird Restaurant](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-love-ii-at-hinoki-the-bird-restaurant/): by Michael Morales Gorilla Love 2 got underway Thursday evening, greeting guests with six larger than life photos hanging outside Hinoki & the Bird restaurant in Los Angeles. Displaying the majestic beauty of the mountain gorillas and the important work Gorilla Doctors veterinarians do in the field daily, guests of Gorilla Love 2 knew they were
- [New Census of the Virunga Massif Mountain Gorilla Population Underway](https://gorilladoctors.org/new-census-of-the-virunga-massif-mountain-gorilla-population-underway/): Gorilla Doctors, and the many gorilla conservation organizations working in the region, are eager to learn if and how the Virunga Massif mountain gorilla population has grown, according to the new census which begins today. "Gorilla Doctors Rwanda Field Vet Dr. Gaspard and Uganda Field Vet Dr. Ricky will both be working in the field during the
- [A Tricky Snare-Removal Intervention in Virunga National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/a-tricky-snare-removal-intervention-in-virunga-national-park/): Virunga National Park trackers reported an infant mountain gorilla in Lulengo group named Bahoze was caught in a rope snare on Thursday evening, October 1. The park staff observed the infant's mother, Maganya, trying to remove the snare, but inadvertently tightening the rope. Gorilla Doctors director Dr. Mike Cranfield crossed the border from Rwanda into Goma, DRC after
- [Health Screening for Lwiro Sanctuary Staff through the EHP Program](https://gorilladoctors.org/health-screening-for-lwiro-sanctuary-staff-through-the-ehp-program/): To reduce the risk of disease transmission between people and gorillas, Gorilla Doctors facilitates annual health screenings and follow-up care for those people who come in contact with the gorillas the most—the people who work tirelessly in the national parks to protect the gorillas. Each year, hundreds of rangers, trackers, researchers, and others who work
- [Emaciated Mother Gorilla Treated for Parasite Infection in Bwindi](https://gorilladoctors.org/emaciated-mother-gorilla-treated-for-parasite-infection-in-bwindi/): Drs. Ricky and Fred have been closely monitoring Elsa, an 11-year-old female mountain gorilla in Bwindi’s Habinyanja group, who is weak and emaciated and struggling to keep up with the group. Uganda Wildlife Authority trackers first reported Elsa to be sick and trailing the group on August 24th. Our Uganda Field Vets have since conducted
- [A Trio of Interventions to Attempt to Save Severely Injured Unhabituated Female](https://gorilladoctors.org/a-trio-of-interventions-to-attempt-to-save-severely-injured-unhabituated-female/): Our field veterinarians have had their hands full in the last few weeks with unusual and complicated cases. As always, the vets put 100% of their energy and available resources into saving a life. Sadly, these interventions are not always successful, as was the case of an injured unidentified female mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- [Rwanda Celebrates New Mountain Gorilla Babies at Kwita Izina Ceremony](https://gorilladoctors.org/rwanda-celebrates-new-mountain-gorilla-babies-at-kwita-izina-ceremony/): The 24 mountain gorillas born within the last year in Volcanoes National Park were given their names during the annual Kwita Izina ceremony on September 5th in Kinigi, Rwanda. In the last 11 years, 197 babies have been named in the annual gorilla-naming celebration! With only an estimated 880 mountain gorillas alive today (according to the
- [Cosequin Features Gorilla Doctors in New Campaign](https://gorilladoctors.org/cosequin-features-gorilla-doctors-in-new-campaign/): We are very pleased to announce that Cosequin will feature the work of Gorilla Doctors in their upcoming 'Love Your Pet, Trust Your Vet'™ campaign! Manufactured by Nutramax, Cosequin is a nutritional supplement that helps domestic animals maintain healthy joints. With this campaign, Cosequin is celebrating veterinarians "who provide compassionate and quality health care" to animals around the
- [Juvenile Agasozindatwa Succumbs to Suspected Tetanus Disease in Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/juvenile-agasozindatwa-succumbs-to-suspected-tetanus-disease-in-rwanda/): Agasozindatwa, a 5-year-old male mountain gorilla in Volcanoes National Park’s Sabyinyo group, was lethargic and trailing the group when trackers called Gorilla Doctors for a veterinary assessment on August 10. Dr. Noel visited the group the following day in the bamboo zone of the park and found the juvenile in a weakened state and not
- [Kuryama Group Leader Assessed for Bleeding](https://gorilladoctors.org/kuryama-group-leader-assessed-for-bleeding/): Kirahure, the 24-year-old dominant silverback of Kuryama group, was wounded after a suspected fight with beta silverback Vuba in late July. At the time, the wound was reported to Gorilla Doctors by the Fossey Fund’s Karisoke trackers (who regularly monitor Kuryama group) and the wound was minor and not in need of veterinary care. However,
- [Silverback Munyinya Treated for Respiratory Infection](https://gorilladoctors.org/silverback-munyinya-treated-for-respiratory-infection/): A respiratory disease outbreak has been spreading through Rwanda’s Hirwa group during the last week and Drs. Noel and Julius are closely monitoring this group of mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Munyinya, the leader and only silverback in the group, had a productive cough and nasal discharge and was lethargic and still laying in
- [Introducing Dr. Joost Philippa, Gorilla Doctors New Regional Manager](https://gorilladoctors.org/introducing-dr-joost-philippa-gorilla-doctors-new-regional-manager/): Gorilla Doctors is excited to introduce our new Regional Manager, Dr. Joost Philippa! Dr. Joost and his new bride, Arum, as well as their two rescued cats, Lucky and Coconut, arrived to our Regional Headquarters in Musanze this weekend and are getting settled in and meeting the team this week. Gorilla Doctors new Regional manager,
- [Generous Donor Supports Young Veterinarians in Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/generous-donor-supports-young-veterinarians-in-rwanda/): How can a simple conversation between friends result in changing the lives of mountain gorillas, veterinary students, and local Rwandan communities? Ask Michelle Olenick and she’ll tell you. Michelle, a local Los Angeles resident, learned of Gorilla Doctors over lunch with a friend when she was sharing photos from her trip to Africa. Michelle first
- [Orphan Kalonge Transferred to GRACE](https://gorilladoctors.org/orphan-kalonge-transferred-to-grace/): Gorilla Doctors is happy to report that orphan Grauer’s gorilla Kalonge, who has lived at the Senkwekwe Center in Rumangabo since her rescue in March 2014, was transferred to the GRACE sanctuary for Grauer’s gorillas on July 23 and she will soon join GRACE’s group of 14 orphans and enjoy the company of gorillas once
- [Vets Capture Beautiful Moments in Health Check Photography](https://gorilladoctors.org/vets-capture-beautiful-moments-in-health-check-photography/): Every week, our hard working field veterinarians are climbing through thick vegetation, up mountainous terrain to reach the gorilla groups, camera in tow. The foundation of Gorilla Doctors work is routine health monitoring—visually observing the members of gorilla groups on a regular basis to check for signs of illness or injury. The team visits every
- [Injured Orphan Kalonge Healing Well Reports Dr. Eddy](https://gorilladoctors.org/injured-orphan-kalonge-healing-well-reports-dr-eddy/): Dr. Eddy made the trip to Rumangabo this week to check on orphan Grauer's gorilla Kalonge, who broke her femur when she fell from a tree in her enclosure at the Senkwekwe Center on May 12 (Read about Dr. Eddy's initial assessment here.) Our Head DRC Vet reports that Kalonge is healing really well. She
- [Gorilla Doctors Welcomes New Veterinarians to the Team](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-welcomes-new-veterinarians-to-the-team/): The Gorilla Doctors family is excited to welcome two new field veterinarians in Rwanda, Drs. Gaspard and Jean-Claude! Both vets have just completed an eight-month internship, working under our Rwanda field veterinarians and gaining valuable experience conducting health checks, medical interventions, necropsies, domestic animal surgeries, lab work, and data collection. Drs. Gaspard and Jean-Claude’s extended
- [Intra-Group Fighting in Kyaguliro Group Leads to Injuries](https://gorilladoctors.org/intra-group-fighting-in-kyaguliro-group-leads-to-injuries/): Since silverback Rukina’s death in early April, intra-group fighting has erupted in Kyaguliro group as blackback (almost silverback) Mukiza continues to challenge the new dominant silverback, Rukara. The two males have been fighting for dominance for months, and in late April, Rukara seriously injured Mukiza in a fight, but as adult male gorillas tend to do,
- [Lulengo and Mapuwa Groups Interact, Silverbacks Face Off](https://gorilladoctors.org/lulengo-and-mapuwa-groups-interact-silverbacks-face-off/): While Dr. Eddy was on Mt. Tshia last week, Dr. Martin was in the Mikeno Sector of Virunga National Park assessing the health of the 31 mountain gorillas in the Lulengo and Mapuwa groups. There was an interaction between the two groups during Dr. Martin’s visit and when he arrived to the group, the four
- [Mt. Tshiabirimu's Katsabara Group Visited by Dr. Eddy](https://gorilladoctors.org/mt-tshiabirimus-katsabara-group-visited-by-dr-eddy/): Dr. Eddy made the long trip to Mt. Tshiabirimu last week to assess the health of the remaining six gorillas living on this isolated mountain in DRC. The tiny group is comprised of dominant silverback Katsabara, adult female Mwengesyali (Mwenge for short), and her baby, blackback Mwasa (who will soon be a silverback), blackback Mukokya,
- [Houston Zoo Continues Critical Support & Highlights Gorilla Doctors Work](https://gorilladoctors.org/houston-zoo-continues-critical-support-highlights-gorilla-doctors-work/): The Houston Zoo, a long-time supporter of Gorilla Doctors, celebrated the opening of their brand new gorilla exhibit this month. The $28 million exhibit is home to 7 western lowland gorillas and, at 4,000 square feet, is said to be the largest gorilla exhibit in the world. Zoo staff chose to highlight the opening of
- [Rescued Chimp Orphan Kindu Receives Veterinary Care at Lwiro](https://gorilladoctors.org/rescued-chimp-orphan-kindu-receives-veterinary-care-at-lwiro/): On May 12th around 4pm, Kahuzi Biega National Park staff received a call from Bukavu Harbor authorities, reporting that a military man was caught trying to smuggle an infant chimpanzee to sell on the black market. The park staff responded quickly and transported the infant to Lwiro, a DRC sanctuary for rescued primates. Dr. Martin
- [Rugendo Group Battles Respiratory Disease Outbreak](https://gorilladoctors.org/rugendo-group-battles-respiratory-disease-outbreak/): The Rugendo group mountain gorillas have been battling a respiratory disease outbreak since early April, keeping Drs. Eddy and Martin on their toes as they administer treatment to the group members most severely affected by the illness. Several group members began to exhibit symptoms of a respiratory infection on April 14th, when the ICCN trackers
- [Spotlight on Dr. Benard Ssebide: Gorilla Doctors New Head Field Vet in Uganda](https://gorilladoctors.org/spotlight-on-dr-benard-ssebide-gorilla-doctors-new-head-field-vet-in-uganda/): Dr. Benard Ssebide, Gorilla Doctors Head Uganda Field Vet and PREDICT Country Coordinator. With a mother who was a nurse and a father who was a Medical Officer, there was little doubt as he was growing up that Benard Ssebide would one day end up in medicine. After years of study at Makerere University in
- [Orphan Grauer's Gorilla Ntabwoba Succumbs to Encephalitis at GRACE Sanctuary](https://gorilladoctors.org/orphan-grauers-gorilla-ntabwoba-succumbs-to-encephalitis-at-grace-sanctuary/): We are heartbroken to report that Ntabwoba, a 13-year-old male Grauer’s gorilla living at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) Center in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), passed away unexpectedly on November 5th. Ntabwoba was just making the transition from blackback to silverback and, with his charismatic personality, was a beloved gorilla to
- [Goodbye to Rukina](https://gorilladoctors.org/goodbye-to-rukina/): By Desiree Aguiar Gorilla Doctors received the sad news this week that Rukina, the lead Silverback of the Kyagurilo group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, was found dead on Tuesday, April 7. Rukina was observed feeding and moving with his group on Monday. He appeared to be well, and did not show any signs of
- [Ugutsinda the Silverback is Doing Much Better](https://gorilladoctors.org/ugutsinda-the-silverback-is-doing-much-better/): By Jean Bosco NOHERI Musanze, Rwanda In late January there was an interaction between Ntambara and Gushimira, two silverbacks (SB) in the Ntambara group, after which Ntambara SB was seen with minor wounds on one hand, a swollen face and a flat belly. He disappeared on February 6 and Ugutsinda a 24-year-old male who was
- [Coming Together For the Survival of an Endangered Species](https://gorilladoctors.org/coming-together-for-the-survival-of-an-endangered-species/): By Michael Morales It takes a special kind of animal for complete strangers to come together and work to fight for the survival of a species. That animal, the mountain gorilla, was front and center last weekend as the film “Virunga” was nominated for Best Documentary at the Academy Awards. The film documents the mountain
- [Dr. Fred Shares His Gorilla Doctors Journey](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-fred-shares-his-gorilla-doctors-journey/): By Michael Morales When Dr. Fred Nizeyimana was hired as a Field Veterinarian for Gorilla Doctors in Uganda in 2010, it was a full-circle moment. “For me personally, it was like I got a call back home,” said Dr. Fred. “My training at Makerere University was funded by Gorilla Doctors. I did a small research
- [Meet the Newest Gorilla Doctor, Dr. Ricky Okello!](https://gorilladoctors.org/meet-the-newest-gorilla-doctor-dr-ricky-okello/): At the young age of 28, Dr. Okwir Ricky Okello has become the newest Gorilla Doctor, officially joining our Uganda field team where he will work with Dr. Fred to monitor the health of every single habituated mountain gorilla in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Born in 1986, he shares his birth year with the
- [Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Donna Shettko Gives Seminar on Wound Healing & Life-Saving Surgery](https://gorilladoctors.org/veterinary-surgeon-dr-donna-shettko-gives-seminar-on-wound-healing-life-saving-surgery/): The Gorilla Doctors team would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Donna Shettko, who recently met with our entire veterinary team at our Musanze, Rwanda headquarters to give a seminar on wound healing, amputation and suture techniques during monthly rounds. Dr. Donna Shettko speaks with Gorilla Doctors field veterinarians in the Musanze laboratory. Dr.
- [DRC Team Benefits from Donated Generator to Goma Office](https://gorilladoctors.org/drc-team-benefits-from-donated-generator-to-goma-office/): Garry Weber, CEO of Weber Financial Inc. and a very generous supporter of Gorilla Doctors, recently purchased a generator for our office in Goma, immensely changing the efficiency and efficacy of our work in the DR Congo. Our DRC team members are thrilled because they can now work uninterrupted during the frequent power outages in
- [Dr. Jean Felix's Tool Use Observation Published in American Journal of Primatology](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-jean-felixs-tool-use-observation-published-in-american-journal-of-primatology/): During a routine health check of Kwitonda group in May 2013, Dr. Jean Felix had the incredible opportunity to witness the first documented incidence of tool use for food acquisition by mountain gorillas. His observation was recently published in the American Journal of Primatology under the title "Tool Use for Food Acquisition in a Wild
- [Orphan Chimp Regaining Health After Poaching Ordeal](https://gorilladoctors.org/orphan-chimp-regaining-health-after-poaching-ordeal/): The infant chimpanzee who was confiscated from poachers by Rwandan police on November 15th is slowly growing more confident and healthy under the attentive care of Gorilla Doctors Rwanda veterinary team and his three dedicated caregivers at the Kinigi orphan care facility. The orphan male chimpanzee, currently receiving medical treatment in Kinigi, Rwanda. The youngster
- [Juvenile Mountain Gorilla Mihanda Freed from Wire Snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/juvenile-mountain-gorilla-mihanda-freed-from-wire-snare/): Mihanda, a female juvenile mountain gorilla who lives in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, was freed from a wire snare in an intervention led by Uganda Field Vet Dr. Fred, with support from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Mihanda was found by UWA rangers early Friday morning near her night nest, struggling to free herself from the
- [Young Silverback Muturengere Injured Defending Isimbi Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/young-silverback-muturengere-injured-defending-isimbi-group/): Young silverback Muturengere was recently injured defending his group from an intruding lone silverback in Volcanoes National Park. During Dr. Jean Felix’s veterinary assessment on November 12, he observed the leader of Isimbi group interacting yet again with another silverback, Gicurasi of Pablo group. 13-year-old silverback Muturengere, leader of Isimbi group. Four of the six Isimbi
- [Infant Chimpanzee Confiscated from Poachers at Gisenyi Police Station](https://gorilladoctors.org/infant-chimpanzee-confiscated-from-poachers-at-gisenyi-police-station/): Gorilla Doctors and the Rwanda Development Board were notified on the evening of November 15th that a "baby gorilla" had been confiscated from poachers and was being held at the Gisenyi police station, near the border of Rwanda and DRC. When an orphaned ape is confiscated by authorities in the region, Gorilla Doctors makes immediate
- [Dr. Eddy Attends Board Meeting, Fundraiser, and AAZV Conference in the United States](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-eddy-attends-board-meeting-fundraiser-and-aazv-conference-in-the-united-states/): Dr. Eddy will soon make the long journey home to Goma, DRC, but the Head Field Vet has certainly had an exciting three weeks in the United States as his travels brought him to Houston, Texas for the Gorilla Doctors board meeting and fundraiser gala at the Houston Zoo, and to Orlando, Florida for the
- [Dr. Tanja Zabka Teaches Wildlife Pathology in Uganda](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-tanja-zabka-teaches-wildlife-pathology-in-uganda/): Capacity building continues to be a primary objective of the Gorilla Doctors work and we are continually mentoring the next generation of wildlife health experts in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC. This year, Gorilla Doctors hosted a 6-month sabbatical for Roche Pharmaceuticals Veterinary Pathologist Dr. Tanja Zabka, to teach wildlife pathology to staff, students and
- [Thanking Donors at Tucos Restaurant in Davis, California](https://gorilladoctors.org/thanking-donors-at-tucos-restaurant-in-davis-california/): Gorilla Doctors Directors Drs. Mike Cranfield and Kirsten Gilardi with Chef Pru Mendez in front of Tucos Restaurant in Davis, CA. On Wednesday, September 24th, Tucos Restaurant in Davis, CA hosted a special evening for Gorilla Doctors. “Small Plates, Big Thanks,” was a chance to honor and appreciate current Gorilla Doctors supporters and reach out
- [Spotlight on Dr. Noel, Rwanda Field Veterinarian](https://gorilladoctors.org/spotlight-on-dr-noel-rwanda-field-veterinarian/): Dr. Jean Bosco Noheli, better known by his colleagues as Dr. Noel, appreciates every day he spends as a Field Veterinarian with the Gorilla Doctors in Rwanda. “This is a commitment. Our work is motivating. When you do it, you are always proud. It’s something that makes you happy every day.” Everyday is a new
- [Directors Speak at Docs4GreatApes Event at Western University, Introduce Renowned Primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall](https://gorilladoctors.org/directors-speak-at-docs4greatapes-event-at-western-university-introduce-renowned-primatologist-dr-jane-goodall/): Gorilla Doctors Directors Drs. Mike Cranfield & Kirsten Gilardi gave a presentation at Western University in London, Ontario last Thursday and were honored to introduce renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall. The event, presented by Docs4GreatApes and hosted by the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, was attended by over 2,000 people and raised funds for
- [Spotlight on Dr. Eddy Kambale, DRC Head Field Vet](https://gorilladoctors.org/spotlight-on-dr-eddy-kambale-drc-head-field-vet/): Dr. Eddy in the Virunga National Park plane as they transfer a Grauer's gorilla to the GRACE sanctuary. For Dr. Eddy Kambale, Gorilla Doctors’ Head Veterinarian in the Democratic Republic of Congo, no two work days are ever the same. One day Dr. Eddy may find himself caring for the orphaned gorillas at the Senkwekwe
- [Interns Gain Unique Insight into Gorilla Doctors Work in Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/interns-gain-unique-insight-into-gorilla-doctors-work-in-rwanda/): Mentoring the next generation of wildlife health experts in Africa is a top priority for Gorilla Doctors. Thanks to a generous donation by attendees of our inaugural Gorilla Love fundraising event in Beverly Hills last November, we have been able to host two veterinary interns at our Regional Headquarters in Musanze, Rwanda. Both young men
- [Dr. Eddy Intervenes to Free Ensnared Bageni Group Baby](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-eddy-intervenes-to-free-ensnared-bageni-group-baby/): Kagera, who is estimated to be 1.5 years old, is a male infant born to mother Rubaka during the M23 rebel occupation of the Mikeno Sector in 2012. He is one of only two infants in Bageni group in Virunga National Park. With M23 occupying the gorilla sector during the time of his birth, Gorilla
- [West Africa Ebola Outbreak Highlights Need for PREDICT Program](https://gorilladoctors.org/west-africa-ebola-outbreak-highlights-need-for-predict-program/): by Jessica Burbridge On August 8, the Ebola virus epidemic rapidly spreading through West African countries was formally declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organization. WHO director Dr. Margaret Chan called it “the largest, most severe, most complex outbreak [of the Ebola virus] in the nearly four-decade history of the disease.”
- [Jicho's Infant Kidumu Freed from Poacher's Snare by Drs. Eddy and Martin in Virunga National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/jichos-infant-kidumu-freed-from-poachers-snare-by-drs-eddy-and-martin-in-virunga-national-park/): On Monday, August 25, the Gorilla Doctors team received a call from Virunga National Park warden Innocent Mburanumwe notifying our veterinarians that a baby mountain gorilla named Kidumu, the infant of adult female Jicho, was caught in a snare. The park rangers had spotted the snare that morning and was able to cut it free
- [Silverback Rano, Leader of Titus Group, Dies Suddenly, Gorilla Docs Investigate](https://gorilladoctors.org/silverback-rano-leader-of-titus-group-dies-suddenly-gorilla-docs-investigate/): In a shocking and sad turn of events, 21-year-old silverback mountain gorilla Umushikirano (Rano), leader of Titus group in Volcanoes National Park, was found dead Monday morning when Fossey Fund trackers arrived to the group. There were no visible signs of injury or illness and his body was carried down the mountain and transported to the Gorilla
- [Zirikana Falls Victim to Poacher's Snare for the Second Time, Docs Suspect Big Brother Ntakibazo Freed Him](https://gorilladoctors.org/zirikana-falls-victim-to-poachers-snare-for-the-second-time-docs-suspect-big-brother-ntakibazo-freed-him/): Trackers from the Rwanda Development Board contacted Gorilla Doctors on August 5 to report that Zirikana, a 7-year-old male mountain gorilla in Umubano group had become caught in a wire snare. This was the second time this poor guy had been caught in a snare (Gorilla Doctors freed Zirikana from a snare in January 2011 when
- [Dr. Julius Studies Bat Genetics at The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-julius-studies-bat-genetics-at-the-field-museum-of-natural-history-chicago/): Dr. Julius Nziza, Gorilla Doctors Research Project Coordinator for PREDICT Rwanda, is wrapping up an interesting six-week stint in Chicago where he's studied the genetics of bat species in Rwanda and curating techniques at The Field Museum of Natural History. Dr. Julius is working with Dr. Bruce Patterson, the MacArthur Curator of Mammals, Dr. Bill
- [Ontario Animal Hospital Hosts Annual Fundraiser for Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/ontario-animal-hospital-hosts-annual-fundraiser-for-gorilla-doctors/): Gorilla Doctors would like to thank Peterborough West Animal Hospital in Ontario, Canada, who recently hosted a fundraiser to support our work to conserve eastern gorillas in central Africa. The Peterborough West Animal Hospital has hosted a fundraiser every year since 2008. After taking a brief break in 2013, the hospital staff geared up to host
- [Subadult Grauer's Gorilla 'Busasa' Released from Snare in Challenging Intervention](https://gorilladoctors.org/subadult-grauers-gorilla-busasa-released-from-snare-in-challenging-intervention/): By Dr. Eddy Kambale On Saturday, July 19, Kahuzi Biega National Park rangers discovered Busasa, a 9-year-old male Grauer’s gorilla in Chimanuka group, had a wire snare wrapped around his left arm. At 9-years-old, Busasa is classified as a subadult gorilla and is one of Nabintu’s twins. His twin, who is also a male, is
- [Blackback Kabukojo's Health Suffers as He Struggles to Lead Rushegura Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/blackback-kabukojos-health-suffers-as-he-struggles-to-lead-rushegura-group/): Blackback Kabukojo had been trailing his group for several days, appearing weak, emaciated and dehydrated when the Uganda Wildlife Authority contacted Gorilla Doctors Field Veterinarian Dr. Fred Nizeyimana for a veterinary assessment. The Bwindi gorillas were keeping Dr. Fred on his toes as he responded to and provided treatment for several ailing or injured silverbacks
- [Docs Treat Infected Wound of Injured Silverback Karibu in Bwindi](https://gorilladoctors.org/docs-treat-infected-wound-of-injured-silverback-karibu-in-bwindi/): Karibu, a young silverback in Nkuringo group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, was moving slowly behind the group for several days when the Uganda Wildlife Authority contacted Dr. Fred for a veterinary assessment. Recently, Karibu has taken to leaving the group for extended periods of time, exploring life as a solitary silverback. During a period
- [Chimanuka Group Feeds on Ripe Fruit of the Myiranthus Tree](https://gorilladoctors.org/chimanuka-group-feeds-on-ripe-fruit-of-the-myiranthus-tree/): The Chimanuka group Grauer’s gorillas were feeding on the ripe fruit of the Myiranthus tree during Dr. Eddy’s visit last week in the Mwandagalo area of Kahuzi Biega National Park. Eighteen night nests were found (13 on the ground, 5 up in the trees) and all 18 individuals were observed. The group interacted with a
- [Rwanda Celebrates 10th Annual Kwita Izina Gorilla Baby Naming Ceremony](https://gorilladoctors.org/rwanda-celebrates-10th-annual-kwita-izina-gorilla-baby-naming-ceremony/): Rwanda celebrated the 10th annual Kwita Izina gorilla baby naming ceremony on Tuesday, July 1st in Kinigi, Rwanda. According to the Rwanda Development Board, who hosts the annual celebration, this year’s theme 'Conserving - Empowering - Growing' recognizes the “efforts of all those that have contributed to the sustainable regional and national conservation of the
- [Young Hirwa Group Female Icyamamare Released from Wire Snare in Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/young-hirwa-group-female-icyamamare-released-from-wire-snare-in-rwanda/): Gorilla Doctors Head Veterinarian in Rwanda, Dr. Jean Felix Kinani, received a call over the weekend from Volcanoes National Park staff that 5-year-old mountain gorilla Icyamamare, of the Hirwa family, was caught in a poacher’s wire snare and was unable to free herself. Drs. Jean Felix and Noel prepared for an intervention and immediately trekked
- [Elderly Female Gashangi Loses Battle with Melanoma](https://gorilladoctors.org/elderly-female-gashangi-loses-battle-with-melanoma/): **Warning: Blog Contains Graphic Imagery** by Dr. Jan Ramer Brave Gashangi, an adult female mountain gorilla from Nykamawe group in Virunga National Park, lost her battle with melanoma last week. This is the first known case of melanoma in a gorilla. Gashangi's tumor was first seen on her left upper lip in December 2012 when
- [US Senator Bill Frist Visits Gorilla Doctors Headquarters in Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/us-senator-bill-frist-visits-gorilla-doctors-headquarters-in-rwanda/): Gorilla Doctors welcomed some very distinguished visitors this month to our Musanze headquarters in Rwanda: a group comprised of a US Senator, a neurosurgeon, as well as attorneys and executives from the Coca-Cola Company, Pershing Square Foundation and Johnson and Johnson met with our Rwanda veterinarians and enjoyed a dinner with our Regional Manager, Dr.
- [Dr. Olivier Awarded the 2014 Rolex Awards for Enterprise](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-olivier-awarded-the-2014-rolex-awards-for-enterprise/): We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Olivier Nsengimana, Gorilla Doctors Field Veterinarian for the PREDICT Rwanda project, has been named a winner of the prestigious 2014 ROLEX Awards for Enterprise! Dr. Olivier and the four other Young Laureates, hailing from Africa, India, Europe and the Middle East, attended a ceremony today in London, where
- [Baby Mountain Gorilla Freed from Snare in Virunga National Park’s Mapuwa Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/baby-mountain-gorilla-freed-from-snare-in-virunga-national-parks-mapuwa-group/): By Dr. Jan Ramer Dr. Eddy, the Head Veterinarian for Gorilla Doctors in DR Congo was notified that a mountain gorilla had become ensnared in Virunga National Park’s Mapuwa group on May 21st. Since Dr. Martin was doing Routine Health Checks at Mt. Tshaiberimu and could not assist with the intervention, I immediately traveled from
- [School Children Show Their Gratitude for Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/school-children-show-their-gratitude-for-gorilla-doctors/): At Maryknoll School in Honolulu, Hawaii, Lauren Aratani, the President of the M&M (Mentors & Mentees) Mentoring Program, worked with 5th grade students to teach them about community service and how it can positively impact the world. Lauren worked with her young charges to create some thoughtful and creative thank you cards to show their
- [Take the Gorilla Friendly™ Pledge and Help Wild Gorillas Stay Healthy](https://gorilladoctors.org/take-the-gorilla-friendly-pledge-and-help-wild-gorillas-stay-healthy/): Gorilla Doctors would like to congratulate our partner organization, the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), who, along with the Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network (WFEN), launched the Gorilla Friendly™ Pledge, "an awareness raising campaign developed to minimize the risk of disease transmission from human to gorilla, during treks to see these magnificent great apes in the
- [Grauer's Gorilla Orphan Ihirwe Returns Home to DRC](https://gorilladoctors.org/grauers-gorilla-orphan-ihirwe-returns-home-to-drc/): Two years, nine months and eleven days after orphan Grauer’s gorilla Ihirwe was rescued from poachers at the Rwanda border town of Gisenyi, the young female gorilla finally returned to her home country of the DRC. Ihirwe was airlifted by a UN helicopter on May 19th to the GRACE center in Kasugho, a remote region
- [Newest Orphan Kalonge Completes Quarantine Period, Examined by Docs at the Senkwekwe Center](https://gorilladoctors.org/newest-orphan-kalonge-completes-quarantine-period-examined-by-docs-at-the-senkwekwe-center/): Orphaned infant gorilla Kalonge at the Senkwekwe Center. Photo Credit: Marcus Westberg by Dr. Eddy Kambale On March 12th, the Congolese Park Authority (ICCN) informed Gorilla Doctors that a young gorilla had been confiscated in Kalonge village, outside of Kahuzi Biega National Park. The female infant, estimated to be between 2 and 3-years-old was
- [Gorilla Doctors Remove Rope Snare from Infant Ingamiya’s Wrist](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-remove-rope-snare-from-infant-ingamiyas-wrist/): Drs. Jean Felix and Noel, along with RDB Veterinary Warden Elisabeth Nyirakaragire, recently conducted an intervention to remove a rope snare from Ingamiya, the 18-month old mountain gorilla infant of mother Tegereza in Ntambara group. With support from Fossey Fund trackers, the field team completed the successful intervention on April 9. Below is Dr. Jean
- [Ensnared Grauer's Gorilla Juvenile Freed in Veterinary Intervention](https://gorilladoctors.org/ensnared-grauers-gorilla-juvenile-freed-in-veterinary-intervention/): by Dr. Eddy Kambale On Tuesday, April 8, the Congolese Park Authority (ICCN) reported to Gorilla Doctors that a juvenile gorilla in Kahuzi Biega National Park’s Chimanuka group had become caught in a poacher’s snare. When the young gorilla became ensnared, dominant silverback Chimanuka ripped the snare from the tree, freeing the youngster, but causing
- [Orphan Ndakasi Receives Annual Check Up and Treatment for Virus Symptoms](https://gorilladoctors.org/orphan-ndakasi-receives-annual-check-up-and-treatment-for-virus-symptoms/): Orphan gorilla Ndakasi, one of four mountain gorillas living at the Senkwekwe Center in Rumangabo, DRC received a thorough health check from Drs. Jan and Eddy, and volunteer veterinarian Dr. Jessica Magenwirth. The morning of the exam, Ndakasi’s caretaker reported that she was lethargic and not eating well. In addition, ulcers were observed on her lower
- [Dr. Olivier Named Finalist in ROLEX Awards for Enterprise](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-olivier-named-finalist-in-rolex-awards-for-enterprise/): Gorilla Doctors PREDICT Field Veterinarian in Rwanda, Dr. Olivier Nsengimana, has been named as one of 22 finalists for the 2014 ROLEX Enterprise Awards. The 22 finalists hail from 13 different countries and are in the running to win vital funding for their particular projects, as well as international acclaim as a 2014 ROLEX Young Laureate.
- [Rwanda: A Resilient Country, Risen from the Ashes](https://gorilladoctors.org/rwanda-a-resilient-country-risen-from-the-ashes/): by Dr. Jean Felix Kinani Twenty years after the genocide, Rwandans have shown the world that our wounds can heal even though we will never forget the past. Through us, the world sees that a country can recover from extreme violence spurned by division and hate. Rwanda suffered the systematic extermination of more than a
- [Insight Into the Making of a Gorilla Doctors Documentary](https://gorilladoctors.org/insight-into-the-making-of-a-gorilla-doctors-documentary/): By Bryn Hughes, 52 Media, Inc. Bryn Hughes at the Senkwekwe Center in Rumangabo, DRC. “When we got the go ahead to begin production on our documentary for the CBC’s The Nature Of Things about extreme conservation and the work of the Gorilla Doctors, there was a different kind of excitement amongst our crew. We
- [Dr. Jan Returns to DRC to Visit Rumangabo, Bukima](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-jan-returns-to-drc-to-visit-rumangabo-bukima/): by Dr. Jan Ramer Drs. Eddy and Jan with Niall and Virunga National Park rangers in DRC. I finally got my DRC visa and last week got to visit Rumangabo, Senkwekwe Center and 2 gorilla groups at Bukima – it was soooo great to be back! And I was lucky to share this visit with
- [Silverback Mwirima Passes Suddenly, Bwindi Loses Another Group Leader](https://gorilladoctors.org/silverback-mwirima-passes-suddenly-bwindi-loses-another-group-leader/): Sadly, just 4 short weeks after the Bwindi population lost dominant silverback Mishaya to intestinal torsion on February 3rd, another silverback leader passed away suddenly. Mwirima, the leader of the Rushegura mountain gorilla group, became ill and was no longer traveling with his group members when the Gorilla Doctors were notified. Drs. Fred and Jan,
- [Sacramento Zoo Support Gorilla Doctors Through Quarters for Conservation Program](https://gorilladoctors.org/sacramento-zoo-support-gorilla-doctors-through-quarters-for-conservation-program/): Gorilla Doctors would like to give thanks to our newest supporter, the Sacramento Zoo in California, for their generous donation of $18,000 to support gorilla conservation! "The Sacramento Zoo is increasing its commitment to conservation by supporting exciting field conservation projects both locally and around the globe with the Quarters for Conservation program. Through the
- [Silverback Mishaya’s Unexpected Death, Group Soldiers On](https://gorilladoctors.org/silverback-mishayas-unexpected-death-group-soldiers-on/): By Dr. Fred Nizeyimana Dominant silverback Mishaya in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was found dead on the morning of February 3rd, 2014 by UWA trackers on patrol in the forest. At just 28-years-old, Mishaya was otherwise a strong and healthy silverback, with no history of illness, no evidence of injury or previous medical interventions and
- [Silverback Muturengere, New Leader of Isimbi group, Treated for Respiratory Infection](https://gorilladoctors.org/silverback-muturengere-new-leader-of-isimbi-group-treated-for-respiratory-infection/): by Jessica Burbridge Just three weeks after 17-year-old Getty’s sudden death, Isimbi group has struggled to recover, leaving young silverback Muturengere under obvious stress as he strives to maintain his status as the new leader of the group. Some amount of stress and turmoil is to be expected when a group loses it’s dominant silverback.
- [Bwindi Silverbacks Fight for Females, Gorilla Doctors Intervene to Treat Injuries](https://gorilladoctors.org/bwindi-silverbacks-fight-for-females-gorilla-doctors-intervene-to-treat-injuries/): by Jessica Burbridge Lone silverback Maraya was just a blackback when he defected from Habinyanja group in 2011. In the past six months, the young silverback has been interacting frequently with Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Mubare group in his quest to obtain females. He finally succeeded in snatching two females from dominant silverback Kanyonyi in a
- [After Six Intervention Attempts, Juvenile Buchura Finally Freed from Snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/after-six-intervention-attempts-juvenile-buchura-finally-freed-from-snare/): Juvenile Buchura resting with her group members.On Tuesday, January 28th, Uganda Wildlife Authority officials contacted Gorilla Doctors to report that Buchura, a juvenile female mountain gorilla in Bwindi’s Oruzogo group, had a poachers’ snare wrapped around her left hand. The rope was tight enough to cause swelling and the young gorilla was observed biting it,
- [The Lasting Impression of a Short Encounter](https://gorilladoctors.org/the-lasting-impression-of-a-short-encounter/): Gorilla Doctors supporters Wilke and Elizabeth See-Tho visited Rwanda last summer and trekked to see Sabyinyo group in Volcanoes National Park. Rambunctious blackback Shirimpumu made sure their visit was a memorable one (scroll to bottom of blog to watch video). Avid followers of the Gorilla Doctors blog and Facebook page, the See-Tho's kindly agreed to write
- [Young Silverback Tries to Hold Onto Group, Showing Signs of Respiratory Illness](https://gorilladoctors.org/young-silverback-tries-to-hold-onto-group-showing-signs-of-respiratory-illness/): By Dr. Noel On January 9, I trekked to Isimbi group to assess the health of the 8 individuals in the group. Isimbi group lost their dominant silverback, Getty, on December 23rd when he succumbed to his injuries sustained from fighting with a lone silverback. 12-year-old silverback Muturengere has been trying to lead the group since,
- [Wounded Susa Group Silverback Kiki Treated by Drs. Noel and Eddy](https://gorilladoctors.org/wounded-susa-group-silverback-kiki-treated-by-drs-noel-and-eddy/): by Dr. Noel On August 10th, 2013, the two largest gorillas groups in Volcanoes National Park (Susa and Pablo) interacted, resulting in multiple transfers of females and various minor to severe injuries. Kiki, the 3rd ranking silverback in Susa group was severely wounded: he had multiple cuts and deep wounds through the plantaris muscle and sole
- [Infant Icyororo Suffers Severe Bite Wound from Silverback, Dr. Jean Felix Leads Intervention Team](https://gorilladoctors.org/infant-icyororo-suffers-severe-bite-wound-from-silverback-dr-jean-felix-leads-intervention-team/): *** Warning: Blog contains some graphic imagery *** A violent interaction between lone silverback Rukundo (formerly of Pablo group) and the pair of Isabukuru group silverbacks on December 22nd left Bukima's infant Imigano dead and Isaro's 15-month-old infant Icyororo severely wounded. In the field, it often seems that the idiom "when it rains it pours"
- [Whirlwind! Dr. Jan Gets Back in the Saddle at Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/whirlwind-dr-jan-gets-back-in-the-saddle-at-gorilla-doctors/): Dr. Jan with a chamleon friend outside of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.Wow – my first three weeks back with Gorilla Doctors have been a whirlwind! I am so thankful Dr. Dawn had a two week overlap with me to get me back up to speed. Ama and I arrived a day late due to flight
- [Gorilla Love Attendees Chuck and Max Block, Conservation International's Russ Mittermeier and Son Visit Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-love-attendees-chuck-and-max-block-conservation-internationals-russ-mittermeier-and-son-visit-gorilla-doctors/): by Dr. Jan Ramer I had a fun visit this week with Gorilla Doctors donors Chuck and Max Block, and their traveling companions Conservation International President Russ Mittermeier and his son Mickey! I met Chuck and Max at Gorilla Love Beverly Hills - the Gorilla Doctors first major west coast fundraiser on November 4th, where
- [Motherless Infant Gorilla in Ugenda Group Freed from Snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/motherless-infant-gorilla-in-ugenda-group-freed-from-snare/): Mountain gorilla infant Sabato has had a rough start to his young life. First, he endured a series of violent interactions between dominant silverback Ugenda, beta silverback Wageni and lone silverback Gushimira in February 2013 during which the silverbacks and other members of the group sustained injuries which required veterinary attention from Gorilla Doctors. During
- [Infant Ingamiya in Distress, Dr. Jean Felix Assesses Health](https://gorilladoctors.org/infant-ingamiya-in-distress-dr-jean-felix-assesses-health/): On a routine health check of Ntambara group in Volcanoes National Park on December 17, Gorilla Doctors Rwanda Head Field Vet Dr. Jean Felix Kinani observed an infant in distress. Ingamiya, the 13-month-old male offspring of mother Tegereza was crying out frequently, had difficulty breathing with foam coming from his mouth. The Fossey Fund Karisoke
- [Dr. Dawn Zimmerman Says Farewell to Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-dawn-zimmerman-says-farewell-to-gorilla-doctors/): I am often asked what brought me to Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo to work with mountain gorillas. I still do not know how to adequately answer this question. Mostly, I jokingly blame my parents for encouraging a less-traveled path; I do not think it was surprising to them when I announced I was moving
- [Orphan Mountain Gorilla Matabishi Receives 2nd Quarantine Exam](https://gorilladoctors.org/orphan-mountain-gorilla-matabishi-receives-2nd-quarantine-exam/): by Jessica Burbridge Orphaned gorilla infant Matabishi, who was found alone in a cornfield outside of Virunga National Park, was rescued through a collaborative effort between the Congolese Park Authority and Gorilla Doctors in June 2013 (http://bit.ly/1bmrmph). Malnourished, covered in burrs, and with a large wound on his back, Matabishi was brought to the Senkwekwe
- [Project V.E.T.S. Donates IDEXX Computer to Regional Lab in Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/project-v-e-t-s-donates-idexx-computer-to-regional-lab-in-rwanda/): Over the past five years, Project V.E.T.S. has donated crucial pieces of equipment and supplies that has allowed Gorilla Doctors to continue to provide the best health care to eastern gorillas and other species of animals in the region. To date, Project V.E.T.S. has donated blood chemistry analyzers, centrifuges, computers, surgical instruments, medications, and microscopes.
- [Monitoring the Mt. Tshiabirimu Gorillas in DRC](https://gorilladoctors.org/monitoring-the-mt-tshiabirimu-gorillas-in-drc/): Gorilla Doctors continues to monitor the the last remaining Grauer’s gorillas in the isolated forest of Mt. Tshiaibirimu outside of Virunga National Park. Previously separated into two groups named Kipura and Katsabara, the 6 remaining individuals appear to have joined into one group recently. Silverback Tshongo, who disappeared two months ago, has not been located,
- [Dr. Jan Ramer Returns to Africa as Regional Veterinary Manager](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-jan-ramer-returns-to-africa-as-regional-veterinary-manager/): After leading the Gorilla Doctors in-country veterinary team from 2009 to 2011, Dr. Jan is currently en route to Rwanda to serve once again as our Regional Veterinary Manager. During her first two-year stint as the RVM, Dr. Jan led dozens of health interventions in wild gorilla groups, oversaw the treatment of seven new gorilla
- [Vets Assess Silverback Isabukuru in Volcanoes National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/vets-assess-silverback-isabukuru-in-volcanoes-national-park/): By Dr. Dawn Zimmerman A veterinary assessment by the Gorilla Doctors was planned for 21-year-old dominant silverback Isabukuru after the Fossey Fund’s Karisoke Research Center (who regularly monitor Isabukuru group) reported that the male had a severe wound on his arm on November 19th. I trekked to the group the following day to assess his
- [Support Gorilla Doctors on Giving Tuesday](https://gorilladoctors.org/support-gorilla-doctors-on-giving-tuesday/): Begin your holiday season with a meaningful donation to help wild, critically-endangered gorillas beat the odds for survival. Your contributions, however large or small, enable the Gorilla Doctors to provide wild and orphaned gorillas with life-saving medical care. Powered by the non-profit Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project and the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center, Gorilla Doctors'
- [Gorilla Love - Beverly Hills a Monumental Success](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-love-beverly-hills-a-monumental-success/): Beverly Hills rolled out the green carpet for the Gorilla Doctors of Africa on Monday, November 4th. Three hundred wildlife enthusiasts and adventure travelers turned out to show their “Gorilla Love” at the prestigious ACE Gallery. This was the first major west coast fundraiser for the Gorilla Doctors, and without a doubt, was deemed a
- [Gorilla Doctors Staff Convene in Uganda for a Team-Building Retreat](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-staff-convene-in-uganda-for-a-team-building-retreat/): Long-time Gorilla Doctors Board Member and former Director of the Morris Animal Foundation (which founded MGVP) Dr. Rob Hilsenroth facilitated a team-building retreat for the Gorilla Doctors staff at Uganda’s Volcanoes Safaris Mount Gahinga Lodge this month. We were fortunate to have Dr. Rob write about his experience with the staff and the remarkable changes
- [A Medical Intervention for Musilikale group female Izihirwa](https://gorilladoctors.org/a-medical-intervention-for-musilikale-group-female-izihirwa/): By Dr. Dawn Zimmerman 8-year-old female mountain gorilla Izihirwa of Musilikale group. Yesterday we performed a full veterinary intervention on Izihirwa, an 8-year-old female mountain gorilla who was reported by the Fossey Fund (who regularly monitors Musilikale group) as being very lethargic, not feeding and not moving. The Fossey Fund requested an emergency veterinary assessment,
- [Guest Blog: Rwanda Through the Eyes of a Visitor](https://gorilladoctors.org/guest-blog-rwanda-through-the-eyes-of-a-visitor/): A few weeks ago, we took a truly life-changing trip to visit Rwanda and the endangered mountain gorillas. On one of our final days of the trip, one of our guides and new friends, Isaac, asked a profound question: What three things will you miss about Rwanda? We felt like the best way to recount our
- [A Veterinary Assessment for Newborn Infants in Ntambara Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/a-veterinary-assessment-for-newborn-infants-in-ntambara-group/): Dr. Dawn assessed two infants in Ntambara group this past weekend, who were reported by Fossey Fund Karisoke trackers (who regularly monitor Ntambara group) to be whimpering and as having inflamed abdominal skin. At just 8-days-old, Kubaka's infant appeared to be in good health during Dr. Dawn's assessment. She reported that the mother held her
- [Shop on Amazon and Support Gorilla Doctors!](https://gorilladoctors.org/shop-on-amazon-and-support-gorilla-doctors/): You can now support the conservation of mountain and Grauer’s gorillas while you shop on Amazon! If you make your purchase through the Amazon Smile program, a small percentage will be donated to Gorilla Doctors. Just use this link when signing into Amazon Smile: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/06-1752363 If you or anyone you know will be using Amazon
- [Dr. Jean Felix Works with PhD Student Laurie Harris on Golden Monkey Research](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-jean-felix-works-with-phd-student-laurie-harris-on-golden-monkey-research/): by Jessica Burbridge UC Davis PhD student Laurie Harris has been conducting research on the endangered golden monkeys in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park throughout 2013. Harris met Gorilla Doctors Director Dr. Kirsten Gilardi during her stint at the Envirovet Summer Institute and now, Dr. Gilardi serves on Harris’ dissertation committee for her PhD program in
- [Abaxis Europe Donates VetScan Hematology Analyzer](https://gorilladoctors.org/abaxis-europe-donates-vetscan-hematology-analyzer/): Abaxis Europe has supplied Gorilla Doctors with numerous pieces of important laboratory equipment over the last three years, such as iStat machines and VS2 chemistry analyzers. This month, Abaxis representative and long time friend of Gorilla Doctors Bärbel Köhler traveled to our Rwanda headquarters to instruct the veterinarians on Abaxis’ latest donation: a new VetScan
- [Docs Remove Lesion on Elderly Female Gorilla in Virunga National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/docs-remove-lesion-on-elderly-female-gorilla-in-virunga-national-park/): Drs. Eddy Kambale and Dawn Zimmerman traveled to Virunga National Park (DRC) to assess elderly female Gashangi (Humba group), after Park Authorities reported that the female had returned to the group after missing for more than 4 months. Gashangi was last seen with her group in April with a large lesion on her lip that
- [RELEASE: Kristen Bell to Host Fundraiser for the Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/release-kristen-bell-to-host-fundraiser-for-the-gorilla-doctors/): BEVERLY HILLS, CA – October 14, 2013 Kristen Bell will host “Gorilla Love,” the first ever west coast fundraising event to benefit the Gorilla Doctors on Monday, November 4, 2013 at the ACE Gallery in Beverly Hills, CA. Three hundred guests will gather for a 6-9 pm cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, and
- [Dr. Fred Treats a Trio of Sick Silverbacks in Nyakagezi Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-fred-treats-a-trio-of-sick-silverbacks-in-nyakagezi-group/): A respiratory disease outbreak is spreading through Nyakagezi group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda. Drs. Fred and Noel have been monitoring the situation closely and decided to intervene to administer treatment to three ailing silverback mountain gorillas in the group this week. Here is Dr. Fred’s report: Ndungutse, the fourth ranked silverback in Nyakagezi
- [Gorilla Doctors Director Attends 2013 Great Ape Summit](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-director-attends-2013-great-ape-summit/): Great Ape conservationists from around the world convened in Jackson Hole, Wyoming this past weekend for the 2013 Great Ape Summit (www.greatapesummit.org). The 4-day summit was a collaborative effort by the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival, the Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP), and the Arcus Foundation. Gorilla Doctors Co-Director Dr. Kirsten Gilardi attended the summit,
- [Drs. Fred and Jean Felix Intervene to Treat Silverback Rukundo](https://gorilladoctors.org/drs-fred-and-jean-felix-intervene-to-treat-silverback-rukundo/): Just 3 weeks after Rukundo became ensnared in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Dr. Fred was notified by park authorities that another veterinary assessment was necessary for the silverback- this time, for a potential respiratory infection. Here is Dr. Fred’s report: Silverback Rukundo of Nyakagezi group "Trackers reported that the young silverback Rukundo was observed
- [Infant Susuruka Freed from Rope Snare in Volcanoes National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/infant-susuruka-freed-from-rope-snare-in-volcanoes-national-park/): Late on Saturday afternoon, September 7, Gorilla Doctors “received a report that 2.5-year-old infant Susuruka, of Bwenge group, was caught in a snare. The [Fossey Fund] Bwenge group trackers managed to cut the rope from the bamboo, but the snare remnant remained on the gorilla’s limb, with a large part of rope trailing behind” said
- [Silverback Frees Himself from Poacher's Snare in Uganda](https://gorilladoctors.org/silverback-frees-himself-from-poachers-snare-in-uganda/): Gorilla Doctors Head Uganda Veterinarian Dr. Fred was notified that a gorilla in Nyakagezi group had been caught in a snare in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on Friday, September 13. Dr. Fred immediately began to make preparations for an intervention, calling Rwanda Field Vet Dr. Noel in Musanze to cross the border into Rwanda to
- [Docs Release Mother Mountain Gorilla from Wire Snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/docs-release-mother-mountain-gorilla-from-wire-snare/): Just days after Nyakagezi group silverback Rukundo was reportedly ensnared - and managed to free himself - in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Gorilla Doctors received a call that yet another Nyakagezi group member had fallen victim to a poacher’s trap. Park authorities contacted Gorilla Doctors Head Uganda Field Vet, Dr. Fred Nizeyimana on Tuesday,
- [New Birth in Ntambara Group, Bringing Group Number to Sixteen](https://gorilladoctors.org/new-birth-in-ntambara-group-bringing-group-number-to-sixteen/): On Tuesday September 3, Dr. Dawn trekked to mountain gorilla group Ntambara in Volcanoes National Park for two purposes: to conduct a “routine health check” of the group and assess the new infant born to first-time mother Kunga. Kunga, holding her 4-day-old infant. The group was found in the Myase area of Volcanoes National Park,
- [Young Grauer's Gorilla Freed from Snare in Kahuzi Biega National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/young-grauers-gorilla-freed-from-snare-in-kahuzi-biega-national-park/): Male Grauer's gorilla released from a snare in an intervention by Gorilla Doctors in August 2013. Gorilla Doctors completed the second successful snare intervention in 2013 for a Grauer’s gorilla in Kahuzi Biega National Park’s Chimanuka group over the weekend. Gorilla Doctors Head Field Veterinarian Dr. Eddy Kambale was notified by park rangers that a
- [Photo Update: The Senkwekwe Center Gorilla Orphans](https://gorilladoctors.org/photo-update-the-senkwekwe-center-gorilla-orphans/): Orphaned infant Matabishi, who was rescued in late June after having suspectedly escaped poachers in DRC (http://bit.ly/15Cvegp) is growing stronger every day reports Gorilla Doctors Head Field Vet Dr. Eddy Kambale. Matabishi “is eating lots of vegetation gathered from the forest and loves to drink milk. He is given multivitamins and mineral supplements daily and
- [James Hassell Studies Infant Mortality in Mountain Gorillas](https://gorilladoctors.org/james-hassell-studies-infant-mortality-in-mountain-gorillas/): As a critically endangered species, the health of each mountain gorilla is integral in assessing their long term survival in the Virunga Massif. When possible, the Gorilla Doctors conduct post-mortem exams on every deceased individual of the 19 habituated groups in Volcanoes National Park. Whether it be a tiny infant or a massive silverback, the
- [Mt. Tshiabirimu Gorillas Thriving Despite Challenges](https://gorilladoctors.org/mt-tshiabirimu-gorillas-thriving-despite-challenges/): by Jessica Burbridge The seven remaining Grauer’s gorillas living in Mt. Tshiabirimu's isolated pocket of forest outside of Virunga National Park, DRC are an intriguing group. This small population has drastically reduced in number over the past decade and is the subject of a concerted effort to ensure their survival. These gorillas are genetically classified
- [Project VETS Provides Critical Support to Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/project-vets-provides-critical-support-to-gorilla-doctors/): Health care for wild and orphaned gorillas is an expensive endeavor, requiring a steady stream of veterinary supplies and equipment throughout the year. Thanks to generous donations from organizations such as Project V.E.T.S, the Gorilla Doctors are able to treat ill or injured gorillas in the field quickly and effectively. Established in 2009 by veterinarian
- [Adult Female Gukunda Inujures Hand, Gorilla Doctors Assess](https://gorilladoctors.org/adult-female-gukunda-inujures-hand-gorilla-doctors-assess/): By Dr. Dawn Zimmerman Rwanda Development Board Volcanoes National Park Veterinary Warden Elisabeth Nyirakaragire reported adult female Gukunda, of Sabyinyo group, was observed with an injured thumb at the metacarpal-phalangeal joint on July 9th. The digit was reportedly “not completely cut” and she was still using the hand. As a routine health check was already
- [An Exam for Ihirwe, Preparations for the Orphan’s Move to GRACE](https://gorilladoctors.org/an-exam-for-ihirwe-preparations-for-the-orphans-move-to-grace/): The young Grauer’s gorilla orphan rescued from a Rwandan jailhouse on August 7th, 2011 by Dr. Jan Ramer of the Gorilla Doctors, with help from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Congolese Park Authority (ICCN), and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, will soon be moved to the GRACE center in the eastern Democratic Republic
- [Ntambara Group Infant Falls Victim To Infanticide](https://gorilladoctors.org/ntambara-group-infant-falls-victim-to-infanticide/): by Jessica Burbridge 11-year-old adult female Kurinda, of Ntambara group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, gave birth to her first baby on July 7, 2013. Sadly, the nearly two-week-old infant was killed after the third ranking silverback, Twibuke, aggressed the new mother on July 18th. Trackers from the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, who regularly
- [Dr. Eddy Conducts IMPACT Workshop in Kahuzi Biega National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-eddy-conducts-impact-workshop-in-kahuzi-biega-national-park/): By Jessica Burbridge Gorilla Doctors Head Field Veterinarian in DRC, Dr. Eddy Kambale, recently conducted an IMPACT workshop for 14 ICCN Kahuzi Biega National Park rangers and trackers at the Tshivanga station. The IMPACT system (Internet Management Program to Support Conservation Technology) is an integral part of the Gorilla Doctors health monitoring. Dr. Eddy (far
- [Eickemeyer Donates Surgical Table to Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/eickemeyer-donates-surgical-table-to-gorilla-doctors/): Eickemeyer Veterinary Equipment has generously donated a stainless steel adjustable surgical table for use at the Gorilla Doctors headquarters in Musanze, Rwanda. The table was transported courtesy of Rwandair on their 737-700NG maiden flight from Germany and recently arrived in Rwanda. "Although most of Gorilla Doctor’s clinical work is in the field, we do treat some
- [Staff Profile: Spotlight on Clementine Usanase](https://gorilladoctors.org/staff-profile-spotlight-on-clementine-usanase/): Jessica Burbridge For Clementine Usanase, mountain gorilla conservation work runs in the family. Daughter of longtime Volcanoes National Park’s Veterinary Warden Elisabeth Nyirakaragire, Clementine grew up with an appreciation for this critically endangered species and a keen understanding of the importance of their survival. In October 2012, Clementine joined the Gorilla Doctors team as the
- [Gorilla Infants Named in 2013 Kwita Izina Ceremony](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-infants-named-in-2013-kwita-izina-ceremony/): by Jessica Burbridge Twelve mountain gorilla infants born within the last year in Volcanoes National Park and one new gorilla family were given their names at the 9th annual Rwanda Development Board Kwita Izina Ceremony, held on Saturday, June 22, 2013 in Kinigi, Rwanda. Since it’s inception, 161 mountain gorilla infants have been named in the
- [Gorilla Doctors Welcomes Journeys Discovering Africa as New Sponsor](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-welcomes-journeys-discovering-africa-as-new-sponsor/): Journeys Discovering Africa, a boutique safari expert that offers tailor-made private and small group tours all over East Africa, has become the newest sponsor of Gorilla Doctors. Journeys Discovering Africa will make a donation to Gorilla Doctors for every person visiting Rwanda on one of their gorilla trekking safaris. In addition, interested clients can also visit the
- [A Veterinary Assessment for Juvenile Bagambe](https://gorilladoctors.org/a-veterinary-assessment-for-juvenile-bagambe/): By Dr. Martin Kabuyaya On May 15, 2013 during our routine health check of Lulengo group in Virunga National Park, we observed juvenile Bagambe and performed a veterinary assessment. The rangers reported that Bagambe has had a small mass lesion on the skin of the right upper eyelid for the past several months. However, his
- [Beverly Hills Brownie Troop Donates to Support Gorilla Docs](https://gorilladoctors.org/beverly-hills-brownie-troop-donates-to-support-gorilla-docs/): When Brownie Troop # 7295 gathered on May 1, 2013 at El Rodeo School for their last meeting of the school year, they received a surprise visit from local veterinarian and Beverly Hills resident, Lara Nicolayevsky Zekaria, DVM. Dr. Nic, as her clients fondly call her, was there to accept a generous donation of $1,000
- [Celebrate Endangered Species Day 2013!](https://gorilladoctors.org/celebrate-endangered-species-day-2013/): Click here to make your donation!
- [Bwindi Silverback Makara Receives Second Round of Treatment](https://gorilladoctors.org/bwindi-silverback-makara-receives-second-round-of-treatment/): By Dr. Fred Nizeyimana Makara, a silverback and leader of Habinyanja group sustained severe wounds from a fight with wild gorillas on May 3rd. I treated Makara with a round of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory/pain killers on May 5th. The Bwindi Park trackers have continued to monitor the silverback as he heals from his wounds and
- [Infant Sacco Treated by Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/infant-sacco-treated-by-gorilla-doctors/): By Dr. Dawn Zimmerman On May 9th, the Rwanda Development Board trackers reported that 3-year-old female infant Sacco, of Agashya group, was again exhibiting foot soreness and a veterinary assessment was requested. She had previously been assessed by Gorilla Doctors on February 5th after her mother Isoni left the group in January. At that time,
- [Raemonde Bezenar To Run Kigali Marathon to Raise Funds for Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/raemonde-bezenar-to-run-kigali-marathon-to-raise-funds-for-gorilla-doctors/): Raemonde Bezenar, Executive Director of the Canadian Friends of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, will be competing in the International Peace Marathon in Kigali, Rwanda on May 19, 2013. Bezenar will run the 42 km race in a full gorilla suit to raise funds for the Gorilla Doctors. “In running the marathon in a
- [Largest Group of Habituated Grauer's Gorillas Gets a Health Check](https://gorilladoctors.org/largest-group-of-habituated-grauers-gorillas-gets-a-health-check/): Chimanuka group is the only group of Grauer’s gorillas habituated to human presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With 37 individuals, it is a very large group led by Chimanuka, an older, magnificent silverback. Drs. Eddy and Martin recently trekked to the group in Kahuzi Biega National Park to assess their health. Here is
- [Mountain Gorilla Orphans Receive Annual Exams in DRC](https://gorilladoctors.org/mountain-gorilla-orphans-receive-annual-exams-in-drc/): After insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo prevented the Gorilla Doctors from traveling to Rumangabo for the annual mountain gorilla orphan exams in Februrary, the docs were recently able to make a day trip to the Senkwekwe Center to examine the only three mountain gorillas living in captivity in the world. Maisha, Ndakasi and
- [Aging Silverback Kabirizi Moves His Group Further up Mikeno](https://gorilladoctors.org/aging-silverback-kabirizi-moves-his-group-further-up-mikeno/): By Dr. Eddy Kambale On Friday, April 12, I trekked to Kabirizi group for a routine health check, along with Dr. Martin, one Virunga National Park ranger and one tracker. We left the Bukima patrol post at 7:05am and walked along the park boundary through several villages. We met with the other team from GATOVU
- [DRC's Bageni Group is Assessed by Drs. Eddy and Martin](https://gorilladoctors.org/drcs-bageni-group-is-assessed-by-drs-eddy-and-martin/): On Thursday, April 11, Drs. Eddy and Martin trekked to Bageni group in Virunga National Park to assess the groups’ overall health and check on male infant Kagera, who was previously reported to have a skin lesion similar to the herpesvirus. Bageni group split from Kabirizi group almost two months ago. Although some groups may
- [An Interesting Observation in Hirwa Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/an-interesting-observation-in-hirwa-group/): by Dr. Jean Felix Kinani I visited Hirwa group on April 16, 2013 for a Routine Health Check. We found the group in the Rwebeya area of Volcanoes National Park. Rwebeya is a big stream that runs through the park that swells to a sizeable river during the rainy season, often destroying houses in the
- [Toshiba Donates Portable Ultrasound Unit to Aid in Gorilla Doctor's Field Work](https://gorilladoctors.org/toshiba-donates-portable-ultrasound-unit-to-aid-in-gorilla-doctors-field-work/): by Jessica Burbridge A generous donation of a Viamo Portable Ultrasound Unit by Toshiba has greatly increased the Gorilla Doctors’ ability to diagnose and treat tricky conditions in wild gorillas. Previously, with no way of seeing what was going on internally, the vet’s ability to diagnose a condition was limited to physical examination with palpation
- [Drs. Eddy and Martin Assess Mikeno Sector's Humba Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/drs-eddy-and-martin-assess-mikeno-sectors-humba-group/): After 12 months of instability in the Mikeno Sector due to the occupation of the M23 rebel group in the gorilla’s habitat, the conflict seems to be coming to a close, allowing our veterinarians safer access to the mountain and Grauer’s gorillas in Virunga National Park, DRC. Dr. Eddy and Martin traveled from Goma to
- [Gorilla Doctors Attend Worldwide PREDICT Meeting in Rome](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-attend-worldwide-predict-meeting-in-rome/): Gorilla Doctors Co-Directors Drs. Kirsten Gilardi and Mike Cranfield, along with PREDICT vets Drs. Julius Nziza and Benard Ssebide traveled to Rome, Italy for a worldwide meeting on emerging pandemic threats last week. PREDICT staff from 23 different countries met to discuss protocols on how to get samples from humans, rodents and bats from areas
- [Gorilla Doctors Co-Director Dr. Kirsten Gilardi to Speak at Art Exhibition](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-co-director-dr-kirsten-gilardi-to-speak-at-art-exhibition/): Sculptor Lisa Reinertson will be exhibiting her new body of work entitled "Edge of Extinction" at the Pence Gallery in Davis, Caifornia next month. Gorilla Doctors Co-Director Dr. Kirsten Gilardi will join Reinertson for a talk on "Hope for Endangered Animals" and the work of the Gorilla Doctors on May 18th at the gallery. Reinertson
- [Photo Story: Catching Bats with the Uganda PREDICT Team](https://gorilladoctors.org/photo-story-catching-bats-with-the-uganda-predict-team/): by Jessica Burbridge The Gorilla Doctors Uganda and Rwanda PREDICT teams are busy year-round collecting samples from primates, rodents and bats in areas of intense human-wildlife interaction in order to test for emerging infectious diseases. The USAID’s Emerging Pandemic Threats PREDICT program, now in it’s fourth year, “aims to prevent, detect, and rapidly respond to
- [Dr. Methode Attends Annual PASA Conference in Cameroon](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-methode-attends-annual-pasa-conference-in-cameroon/): The third week of February, Dr. Methode Bahizi, Gorilla Doctors Regional Laboratory Veterinarian, flew to Cameroon to attend the annual Pan African Sanctuary Alliance conference at the Limbe Wildlife Center. Dr. Methode joined some 30 captive primate experts from the US, UK and around Africa. The Limbe Wildlife Center is home to a variety of critically endangered
- [Docs Obtain New Blood Samples from Mt. Tshiabirimu Gorilla, Plans To Do Complete Genome Analysis](https://gorilladoctors.org/docs-obtain-new-blood-samples-from-mt-tshiabirimu-gorilla-plans-to-do-complete-genome-analysis/): by Jessica Burbridge On a small forested island just west of the DR Congo’s Virunga National Park, a tiny population of Grauer’s gorillas has reduced to one third of it’s original size within the last decade. Now down to just six individuals in two separate groups, this small population living on Mt. Tshiabirimu has only
- [Roaming Male Golden Monkey Returned to Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/roaming-male-golden-monkey-returned-to-park/): by Jessica Burbridge An endangered species of Old World monkey found only in central Africa’s Virunga Massif region, the Golden Monkey typically prefers the safety of the dense bamboo forest. Most troops can be found ranging high in the stalks of giant bamboo, only venturing down to the forest floor during the rainy season to
- [UC Davis PhD Student Conducts Research with Dr. Fred in Bwindi](https://gorilladoctors.org/uc-davis-phd-student-conducts-research-with-dr-fred-in-bwindi/): by Jessica Burbridge A visit to Bweza group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with Dr. Fred and PhD student Tierra Smiley Evans turned into a nine-hour strenuous trek in the pouring rain. But early afternoon, the sun burst through the clouds and we finally found the group, deep in a densely vegetated ravine, busy feeding
- [Gorilla Doctors From A Veterinarian's Perspective](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-from-a-veterinarians-perspective/): Dr. Kristen Hitt, an American veterinarian traveling with Terra Incognito Eco Tours, recently visited Rwanda to trek to see the mountain gorillas and meet the Gorilla Doctors. Dr. Hitt's experience was life-changing and, with an incredibly generous gift of $50,000, led her to become a major donor for Gorilla Doctors. Here is her testimony: Dr. Kristen
- [Docs Free Ensnared Grauer's Gorilla Youngster in Kahuzi Biega NP](https://gorilladoctors.org/docs-free-ensnared-grauers-gorilla-youngster-in-kahuzi-biega-np/): On Tuesday, January 29, Drs. Eddy and Jacques intervened to remove a wire snare that was wrapped tightly around a 3.5-year-old female's fingers in Kahuzi Biega National Park's Chimanuka group. The ensnared gorilla was a young female named Iragi, whose name means "lucky" in the local language from the Bashi tribe. This is only the third
- [Kuryama Group Youngster Freed from Rope Snare in Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/kuryama-group-youngster-freed-from-rope-snare-in-rwanda/): In the fourth snare intervention performed by Gorilla Doctors in the last three weeks, four-year-old mountain gorilla female Dukore of Kuryama group was released from a rope snare by Gorilla Doctors on February 6 in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. 4-year-old female Dukore, feeding prior to intervention. Dr. Dawn received word from the Dian Fossey Gorilla
- [Respiratory Disease Outbreak Continues In Sabyinyo Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/respiratory-disease-outbreak-continues-in-sabyinyo-group/): By Dr. Dawn Zimmerman On January 22, Sabyinyo trackers reported that five gorillas were coughing in Sabyinyo group. A veterinary assessment the following day confirmed that six members had been affected by the respiratory disease: Guhonda, Gihishamwotsi, Gukunda, Kampanga, Ishimwe, and Umurinzi. Sabyinyo Group trackers with VNP veterinary warden Elisabeth Nyirakaragire. During our recheck of
- [Uganda Docs Free Ensnared Habinyanja Juvenile in Bwindi](https://gorilladoctors.org/uganda-docs-free-ensnared-habinyanja-juvenile-in-bwindi/): By Dr. Benard Ssebide The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park authority contacted Gorilla Doctors on January 26 to report that a juvenile male gorilla named Kajeyo had been caught in a wire snare in the Kibumba area of the park. The Habinyanja group trackers had noticed the snare wrapped around the young male's upper right arm
- [Docs Assess Wounds from Lone Silverback Fight in Mikeno Sector](https://gorilladoctors.org/docs-assess-wounds-from-lone-silverback-fight-in-mikeno-sector/): On January 27, Gorilla Doctors received a report that lone silverbacks Mukunda and Bageni, both ranging in the Mikeno sector of Virunga National Park, had fought and both sustained potentially severe injuries. Head DRC Field Vet Dr. Eddy was traveling from Kinshasha at the time, so Dr. Martin trekked to the lone silverbacks to conduct
- [Respiratory Illness Spreads Through Sabyinyo Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/respiratory-illness-spreads-through-sabyinyo-group/): Dominant silverback Guhonda, one of the largest silverbacks in Volcanoes National Park, is the most seriously afflicted with the respiratory illness. On January 22, the Sabyinyo trackers reported that five gorillas were coughing in Sabyinyo group: dominant silverback Guhonda, beta silverback Gihishamwotsi, adult female Kampanga and her infant Ishimwe, and adult female Gukunda. A veterinary
- [Sudden Death of Dominant Silverback Urugamba Leaves Six Gorillas Without Leader](https://gorilladoctors.org/sudden-death-of-dominant-silverback-urugamba-leaves-six-gorillas-without-leader/): by Jessica Burbridge Gorilla Doctors is sad to report that 21-year-old dominant silverback Urugamba passed away last night and was found this morning, with no obvious signs of trauma, around 30 meters from his night nest. He only fell ill yesterday and was to receive a veterinary assessment today. The cause of death is yet
- [First Time Mother Loses Infant In Bwindi](https://gorilladoctors.org/first-time-mother-loses-infant-in-bwindi/): By Dr. Fred Nizeyimana On January 4, I trekked to Kahunge group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to check and assess the group’s health following a report of the death of a newborn infant. The infant was born on December 28, 2012 and died on January 1, 2013. The infant’s mother is Rugendo, a young
- [Docs Treat Ensnared Male Serval Cat](https://gorilladoctors.org/docs-treat-ensnared-male-serval-cat/): While our primary patients are mountain and Grauer’s gorillas, the Gorilla Doctors also treats other injured and ailing wildlife in the region. This week, Gorilla Doctors received a report that a male Serval (Leptailurus serval) had been caught in a wire snare outside of Volcanoes National Park on January 14. Male Serval (Leptailurus serval) caught
- [Docs Perform Successful Snare Intervention in Agashya Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/docs-perform-successful-snare-intervention-in-agashya-group/): On Tuesday, January 15, the trackers of Agashya group reported that 5-year-old male Gutungura had been caught in a wire snare in the Kibumbu area of Volcanoes National Park. The other members of the group managed to free him from the ensnaring site, ripping the trap out of the ground, but the wire noose remained
- [Mother Sustains Serious Bite Wound to Head after Fight](https://gorilladoctors.org/mother-sustains-serious-bite-wound-to-head-after-fight/): by Dr. Fred Nizeyimana Kasotora, an older adult female in Nkuringo group with a 3-year-old suckling infant, sustained a large wound on her head after a fight broke out within the group on December 7. She was bitten just above her brow and the wound was actively bleeding when trackers observed the group that day.
- [Final Quarantine Exams Completed for New Orphans](https://gorilladoctors.org/final-quarantine-exams-completed-for-new-orphans/): After three months in quarantine at the Senkwekwe Center in Rumangabo, DRC, orphaned Grauer’s gorillas Baraka and Isangi received their final quarantine exams this week- the final step before clearance is granted for the infants to move to their long-term home. Isangi Ten-month-old baby Isangi is bright, strong, active and healthy after three months in
- [Gorilla Doctors’ Director Wins Conservation Award](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-director-wins-conservation-award/): The Maryland Zoo honors Dr. Mike Cranfield as the Winner of the 2012 Michael D. Hankin Award for Conservation. Photo courtesy of the Maryland Zoo. Baltimore, Maryland – The Maryland Zoo of Baltimore, Maryland, honored Gorilla Doctors Director Dr. Mike Cranfield today as the 2012 winner of the Michael D. Hankin Award for Conservation. The award,
- [After Months Without Access, Gorilla Doctors Trek to Mountain Gorilla Group in Virunga NP, DR Congo](https://gorilladoctors.org/after-months-without-access-gorilla-doctors-trek-to-mountain-gorilla-group-in-virunga-np-dr-congo/): by Dr. Eddy Kambale On Tuesday, December 11, Gorilla Doctors performed a monitoring visit of Humba group following a report by Virunga National Park Chief Park Warden, Emmanuel De Merode, saying that there were two females who needed a veterinary assessment. One female had an abnormal tissue around her mouth and the second female had
- [Drs. Eddy and Martin Visit Kipura Group in Virunga National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/drs-eddy-and-martin-visit-kipura-group-in-virunga-national-park/): by Drs. Eddy and Martin For the first time since May 2012, Gorilla Doctors veterinarians accompanied a team of ICCN trackers to visit Kipura group on Mt. Tshiabirimu in the North Sector of Virunga National Park, DR Congo. A Routine Health Check by Gorilla Doctors has not been possible in the last eight months due
- [Silverback Getty Injured in Interaction](https://gorilladoctors.org/silverback-getty-injured-in-interaction/): by Dr. Dawn Zimmerman On Wednesday November 14, I visited Karisimbi B group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. The dominant silverback, 16.5 year-old Getty, was reported to have interacted with Susa group the previous day and had sustained multiple injuries. The fight occurred over a 2-hour period from 9-11am, after which Getty laid on his
- [Rebels Take Goma, Unrest Ensues In The Region](https://gorilladoctors.org/rebels-take-goma-unrest-ensues-in-the-region/): by Jessica Burbridge UN helicopter firing on M23 rebels. © Virunga National Park Rebel action has flared up once again in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, preventing Gorilla Doctors from traveling to the parks to monitor mountain and Grauer’s gorillas for injury and illness. Currently, our Congolese veterinarians are safe in
- [Silverback Kanyonyi Injured in Bwindi](https://gorilladoctors.org/silverback-kanyonyi-injured-in-bwindi/): by Dr. Fred Nizeyimana Silverback Kanyonyi, leader of Mubare group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After receiving a report that Kanyonyi, a silverback and leader of Mubare group had sustained severe wounds from fighting with a wild gorilla group on November 12, I made preparations to go to assess his condition, ready for a possible
- [Census Results Confirm World Mountain Gorilla Population Up to 880 Individuals](https://gorilladoctors.org/census-results-confirm-world-mountain-gorilla-population-up-to-880-individuals/): PRESS RELEASE November 13, 2011 Mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.Kampala, Uganda - The results of a 2011 census of the critically-endangered mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park were released today by the Ugandan Wildlife Authority and confirm that at least 400 individuals live in the Park. The
- [New Communications Officer for Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/new-communications-officer-for-gorilla-doctors/): If you’ve been a dedicated reader of our monthly Gorilla News, then you have been the fortunate audience for an outstanding level of reporting from Communications Officer Molly Feltner. Molly joined Gorilla Doctors as a volunteer in November 2009, and then joined our staff part-time in August 2010 to lead all of our outreach initiatives. Under Molly’s
- [Docs Treat Ensnared Juvenile in Agashya Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/docs-treat-ensnared-juvenile-in-agashya-group/): The morning of October 26, 2012, the trackers following Agashya group in Volcanoes National Park reported that 4.5-year-old juvenile male Ingabo, who had been abandoned by his mother in March, was caught in a snare. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible for the Gorilla Doctors to assess the youngster’s condition the same day because of dominant silverback
- [Sick Female in Rushegura Group Successfully Treated By Dr. Fred](https://gorilladoctors.org/sick-female-in-rushegura-group-successfully-treated-by-dr-fred/): By Drs. Fred and Hameed Ruterana looking tired and thin.Ruterana, an adult female in Rushegura group, was observed by trackers to be moving slowly and laying down a lot the morning of September 26. They thought she looked very thin and unwell. The trackers called me and I joined them immediately. She did indeed appear
- [Grauer's Gorilla Orphan Update](https://gorilladoctors.org/grauers-gorilla-orphan-update/): Drs. Dawn and Eddy prepare for the exams.By Dr. Dawn On September 26th, Drs. Eddy, Martin, and I headed to Rumangabo to do the first quarantine examinations on Isangi and Baraka, at 12 days and 6 days post-confiscation, respectively. They had been adjusting well to their new environment, diet, and caretakers. Baraka was still very
- [Orphans Get a New Fence Thanks to Generous Donor](https://gorilladoctors.org/orphans-get-a-new-fence-thanks-to-generous-donor/): © LuAnne Cadd / Virunga National Park One month ago, the staff at Virunga National Park decided that the electric fence surrounding the gorilla orphan’s enclosure at Senkwekwe Center simply had to be replaced – using broken tree limbs as ladders, the three mischievous mountain gorillas, Ndeze, Ndakasi and Maisha, were repeatedly escaping their yard,
- [Concern Mounts for Grauer’s Gorillas in DRC Following the Rescue of Two Poached Infants](https://gorilladoctors.org/concern-mounts-for-grauers-gorillas-in-drc-following-the-rescue-of-two-poached-infants/): PRESS RELEASE September 24, 2012 Concern Mounts for Grauer’s Gorillas in DRC Following the Rescue of Two Poached Infants IsangiMusanze, Rwanda – Gorilla Doctors and the Congolese Wildlife Authority (ICCN) are increasingly concerned about the survival of Grauer’s gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the rescue of two poached infant gorillas in separate
- [Docs Perform First-Ever Successful Interventions On Ensnared Grauer’s Gorillas](https://gorilladoctors.org/docs-perform-first-ever-successful-interventions-on-ensnared-grauers-gorillas/): Pili Pili holds her ensnared left foot.By Molly Feltner Amidst all of the news about the rescues of two new orphan Grauer’s gorillas, we haven’t been able to share all of the details about an important success story in Grauer’s gorilla conservation. On September 15, the same day Isangi was transferred to Virunga National Park
- [Gorilla Doctors Help Rescue Orphan Grauer's Gorilla Poached by DRC Rebels](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-help-rescue-orphan-grauers-gorilla-poached-by-drc-rebels/): By Molly Feltner Heavily armed Kahuzi-Biega National Park rangers prepare to enter the forest.It had already been a long, frustrating day in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. After many hours in the thickly vegetated forest, and in heavy rain, Drs. Dawn, Eddy, and Martin and a ranger team could not get close enough to safely dart two
- [Respiratory Disease Outbreak in Agashya Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/respiratory-disease-outbreak-in-agashya-group/): Agashya with a runny nose. (Photo: Dr. John Onate)By Dr. Jean-Felix Kinani On August 28, Volcanoes National Park trackers reported that Agashya, the dominant silverback of Agashya group, was coughing but was doing well. The Gorilla Doctors checked on him regularly and found him active and doing well despite having a cold. On September 8,
- [Nikon Coolscope Facilitates Quicker Diagnoses](https://gorilladoctors.org/nikon-coolscope-facilitates-quicker-diagnoses/): Dr. Mike examines slides on the Coolscope.Our friends at Gear4Gorillas have once again made a generous contribution of £5,000 to help Gorilla Doctors purchase vital equipment—this time a Nikon Coolscope. We’d also like to thank Bruce Mentzer, who made an additional donation, and Nikon, which sold the device to us at a substantial discount. This seriously
- [After Intervention, Starved Gorilla Able to Feed Herself Again](https://gorilladoctors.org/after-intervention-starved-gorilla-able-to-feed-herself-again/): Kunama on August 8By Dr. Dawn Zimmerman On August 7, Karisoke Research Center (KRC) reported that 17-year-old adult female Kunama of Ugenda group appeared to have a protruding tongue and difficulty eating. I visited the group the following day and observed the same behavior, although I could not determine the cause of her condition through
- [Docs To Receive New Cameras Thanks to Donors](https://gorilladoctors.org/docs-to-receive-new-cameras-thanks-to-donors/): This month, our newsletter subscribers and Facebook followers proved that small donations could make a big difference for the Gorilla Doctors. Thanks to donations made by nearly 40 Gorilla Doctors supporters in just three weeks our team will be receiving DSLR camera kits from Nikon. Our veterinarians photograph their patients not only because the gorillas
- [Silverback Kwitonda Passes Away at Age 40](https://gorilladoctors.org/silverback-kwitonda-passes-away-at-age-40/): Kwitonda in 2012. On Monday September 10th, Volcanoes National Park trackers found the lifeless body of silverback Kwitonda, the dominant silverback of Kwitonda group, some distance from his group. He had been missing from his group since August 30, and despite daily efforts to locate him in the thick forest, his body was not found
- [Juvenile Ngwino Succumbs to Snare Wounds](https://gorilladoctors.org/juvenile-ngwino-succumbs-to-snare-wounds/): Drs. Dawn and Noel with Ngwino.This month, the Gorilla Doctors clinically managed the complicated case of Ngwino, a juvenile gorilla from Inshuti group in Rwanda who was found caught in a snare in early July. Normally, the Gorilla Doctors intervene to treat a snare-wounded gorilla the very next morning after the wound is first observed,
- [Urgent Appeal: Help Us Document Our Patients!](https://gorilladoctors.org/urgent-appeal-help-us-document-our-patients/): The Gorilla Doctors team in Rwanda is in tremendous need of a new professional DSLR camera and telephoto lens after both of our older cameras and lenses were damaged beyond repair. We photograph our patients so that we can document and better track their health. Long lenses and cameras designed to work well in low
- [Kaboko, World’s Only Captive Male Mountain Gorilla, Passes Away](https://gorilladoctors.org/kaboko-worlds-only-captive-male-mountain-gorilla-passes-away/): Kaboko at the Senkwekwe CenterBy Molly Feltner, Communications Officer Gorilla Doctors is sorry to report some very sad news that couldn’t be shared right away because of security concerns in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). At approximately 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 25, Kaboko, the world’s only captive male mountain gorilla, passed away at
- [Donor Story: Raemonde Bezenar and the Canadian Friends of MGVP](https://gorilladoctors.org/donor-story-raemonde-bezenar-and-the-canadian-friends-of-mgvp/): You could say that the mountain gorillas themselves are the best fundraisers for their conservation. Many tourists, after seeing mountain gorillas in the wild for the first time, have become ardent supporters of conservation projects in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. That’s definitely the case for Raemonde Bezenar, one of our biggest
- [Fighting Prevents Veterinarians From Monitoring Virunga Gorillas](https://gorilladoctors.org/fighting-prevents-veterinarians-from-monitoring-virunga-gorillas/): Tank just outside the gate of Virunga National Park (Orlando von Einsiedel/Virunga National Park)July has proven to be another extremely distressing month for our colleagues in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. In early July, the M23 rebel movement succeeded in seizing several key towns around the southern sector of the park where Virunga’s
- [Concerns Mount for Two Injured Infants of Inshuti Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/concerns-mount-for-two-injured-infants-of-inshuti-group/): Over the last few days, the Gorilla Doctors have been following the complicated cases of two injured infant gorillas belonging to Inshuti group. One infant was caught in a snare and in the other the case the cause of the trauma was unclear. It has not been possible to intervene yet in either case due
- [A Mountain Gorilla's Self-Healing Power](https://gorilladoctors.org/a-mountain-gorillas-self-healing-power/): Being wildlife veterinarians, the Gorilla Doctors are often challenged to determine the seriousness of an illness or injury in a gorilla by visual observation alone. Clinically, it’s ideal to perform tests and physical examinations on ailing patients to make definitive diagnoses. However, as conservationists of wild gorillas, the Gorilla Doctors must take care to disrupt
- [After Death, A Mountain Gorilla’s Life Story Continues](https://gorilladoctors.org/after-death-a-mountain-gorillas-life-story-continues/): Tuck rests with her son Segasira several days before her death in 2010.On September 5, 2010, female mountain gorilla Tuck, one of Dian Fossey’s original research subjects, passed away after a long life in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. When members of Titus group finished their day-long vigil over her body, Tuck was carried out of
- [Warring Silverbacks Keep Ugandan Veterinarians On Their Toes](https://gorilladoctors.org/warring-silverbacks-keep-ugandan-veterinarians-on-their-toes/): Silverback KirungiThe silverbacks and blackbacks of Nkuringo group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park keep the Gorilla Doctors on their toes with their near constant fighting, which frequently leads to one or more individual being injured—sometimes quite seriously. In 2011, the adult female Samehe died after sustaining a severe a head wound in a fight between
- [Dr. Fred Recounts Training and Travel Experiences in the U.S.](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-fred-recounts-training-and-travel-experiences-in-the-u-s/): Dr. Fred at the CNPRC in Davis, CA. © 2012 UC Regents Photo by Don PreislerBy Dr. Fred Nizeyimana The month of April found me in Davis, CA, USA. I arrived at the Sacramento airport in California on the night of April 1 after a long flight from Entebbe, Uganda, via Amsterdam and Detroit. It
- [Three Health Scares in Pablo Group in Two Weeks](https://gorilladoctors.org/three-health-scares-in-pablo-group-in-two-weeks/): After an extremely quiet spring with no veterinary interventions in Uganda, DRC, or Rwanda, June brought the Gorilla Doctors a flush of new veterinary cases—three in Rwanda’s Pablo group in alone. Pablo, the biggest habituated group in the Virunga Massif with 44 members, has had its fair share of health problems over the years, but
- [Grauer's Gorilla Silverback Langa Succumbs to Severe Wounds](https://gorilladoctors.org/grauers-gorilla-silverback-langa-succumbs-to-severe-wounds/): While the Gorilla Doctors have been unable to visit the mountain gorilla groups in Virunga National Park this month due to ongoing fighting between rebel groups and the Congolese army, our field veterinarians Dr. Eddy and Dr. Martin have been able to travel to Kahuzi-Biega National Park in South Kivu to check on the park’s
- [Mountain Gorilla Habitat Under Siege in DR Congo](https://gorilladoctors.org/mountain-gorilla-habitat-under-siege-in-dr-congo/): An infant mountain gorilla from the Munyaga family, which ranges near the area that was shelled on May 13.The Gorilla Doctors fear for the health and safety of the critically endangered mountain gorillas of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo as rebels clash with the Congolese army in the park’s gorilla sector.
- [Elisabeth Nyirakaragire, the Gorilla Doctors’ Most Dedicated Assistant](https://gorilladoctors.org/elisabeth-nyirakaragire-the-gorilla-doctors-most-dedicated-assistant/): Elisabeth Nyirakaragire gives a thumbs up after a successful intervention in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.By Dr. Dawn “They looked like old men,” says Elisabeth Nyirakaragire, the veterinary assistant for Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, as we trek up the volcano to check on the newly formed mountain gorilla group, Karisimbi B. She recalls her first
- [The Kwitonda Family Circus](https://gorilladoctors.org/the-kwitonda-family-circus/): By Dr. Dawn On May 1, I observed Kwitonda group. Three infants were born into the group within the last year and were photographed for the Kwita Izina ceremony to be held in June. All 24 gorillas were observed and appeared in good general health. Here are some photos and videos of this growing family:
- [Press Release: Animal Planet Series Highlights Gorilla Doctors and Virunga National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/press-release-animal-planet-series-highlights-gorilla-doctors-and-virunga-national-park/): Silverback Kongomani of Rugendo group in Virunga National Park.Airing May 10 at 8pm GMT on Animal Planet, the season finale of the UK TV series “Wildlife SOS” spotlights the efforts of the Gorilla Doctors and the Congolese Wildlife Authority to protect the critically-endangered mountain gorillas of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo
- [A New Gorilla Doctor and a Big Promotion](https://gorilladoctors.org/a-new-gorilla-doctor-and-a-big-promotion/): Gorilla Doctors has expanded its veterinary team, thanks to a recently awarded grant from Partners in Conservation at the Columbus Zoo. Dr. Martin In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr. Martin Kabuyaya Balyananziu was hired as a field veterinarian to assist DRC Head Field Veterinarian Dr. Eddy in providing veterinary care to DRC’s mountain and Grauer’s
- [DNA Tests Reveal Orphan Ihirwe to be a Grauer's Gorilla](https://gorilladoctors.org/dna-tests-reveal-orphan-ihirwe-to-be-a-grauers-gorilla/): By Dr. Noel From July 23 to 27, 2011, all Gorilla Doctors veterinarians were involved in the huge and exciting event of moving the six Grauer’s gorillas that had been in the Gorilla Doctors care for years from out interim orphan quarantine facility in Kinigi, Rwanda to the GRACE sanctuary in DRC. However, only two
- [Mountain Gorilla Orphans Safe after Security Scare in DRC](https://gorilladoctors.org/mountain-gorilla-orphans-safe-after-security-scare-in-drc/): By Dr. Dawn Zimmerman At times, we are reminded of the risk that can be involved in caring for mountain gorillas. Perhaps none know this better than our colleagues working in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This was evident just a few weeks ago starting with an email from Linda Nunn, the chair of Gearing
- [MGVP Receives $30,000 in Donated Veterinary Equipment from Germany](https://gorilladoctors.org/mgvp-receives-30000-in-donated-veterinary-equipment-from-germany/): As always, we are grateful to our generous friends who offer their expertise and donate equipment to help the Gorilla Doctors expand their knowledge and toolbox. Last month, Bärbel Köhler, the Business Development Manager for Abaxis, a supplier of veterinary diagnostic equipment, visited our offices in Musanze, Rwanda, to deliver $30,000 worth of donations
- [Dr. Dawn Checks on Ailing Baby in Urugamba Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-dawn-checks-on-ailing-baby-in-urugamba-group/): Infant Turate.For every gorilla health case that requires a full medical intervention, the Gorilla Doctors probably follow up on at least half a dozen other cases that thankfully do not require emergency treatment. To ensure we catch health problems in the early stages, the Gorilla Doctors keep in close contact with the trackers who monitor
- [Mountain Gorilla Orphan Health Update, April 2012](https://gorilladoctors.org/mountain-gorilla-orphan-health-update-april-2012/): NdakasiBy Dr. Eddy On April 13, Dr. Martin and I went to the Senkwekwe Centre at Virunga National Park headquarters for the orphans’ quarterly de-worming. Kaboko has had recurrent diarrhea, so Gorilla Doctors has decided to increase the number of de-worming (medicine used to treat internal parasites) treatments to four times per year. The use
- [The Saga of Silverback Inshuti](https://gorilladoctors.org/the-saga-of-silverback-inshuti/): By Dr. Dawn InshutiIt’s been a difficult 2012 thus far for Inshuti, a silverback gorilla in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Meaning “friend” in Kinyarwanda, Inshuti is considered one of the largest and most aggressive silverbacks within the Karisoke research groups, and he has endured his share of drama. Over the years, Inshuti has survived attacks
- [Keeping Gorillas Healthy by Keeping People Healthy](https://gorilladoctors.org/keeping-gorillas-healthy-by-keeping-people-healthy/): MGVP approaches gorilla medicine from a “One Health” perspective—a belief that the health of the gorillas is inextricably linked to that of the entire ecosystem, including humans and other animal species. Research studies show that gorillas can become ill and even die as a result of coming into contact with zoonotic diseases transmitted by people
- [Mountain Gorilla Infant Dies in Poacher's Snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/mountain-gorilla-infant-dies-in-poachers-snare/): Dead infant gorilla with the snare still attached to his ankle.On February 1, a team of park rangers conducting an anti-poaching patrol in Africa’s Virunga Massif found the dead body of a critically-endangered mountain gorilla caught in a poachers’ snare. Veterinarians from the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP) performed a post mortem exam on the
- [MGVP Welcomes Gorilla Doctor Hameed](https://gorilladoctors.org/mgvp-welcomes-gorilla-doctor-hameed/): The Gorilla Doctors would like to introduce our newest veterinarian, Dr. Abdulhameed Kateregga, or Dr. Hameed. Dr. Hameed joined our Ugandan staff this January to serve as the PREDICT field veterinarian in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks and to assist Dr. Fred in the monitoring and care of Uganda’s mountain gorilla population. Dr. Fred
- [Veterinary Ophthalmologists Train Gorilla Doctors in Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/veterinary-ophthalmologists-train-gorilla-doctors-in-rwanda/): In early March, veterinary ophthalmologists Drs. David Ramsey and Rick Quinn traveled to Rwanda to conduct a training workshop with the Gorilla Doctors. Dr. Ramsey owns and operates The Animal Ophthalmology Center in Williamston, Michigan, and Dr. Quinn practices at the Veterinary Eye Specialists of London, Ontario, and is an adjunct professor of ophthalmology at
- [Silverback Kabirizi's Role as King of Virunga Threatened](https://gorilladoctors.org/silverback-kabirizis-role-as-king-of-virunga-threatened/): Kabirizi eating with his family.This Blog was written by Dr. Eddy from Virunga National Park, DRC. On the morning January 20, I left the Bukima patrol post with a group of trackers to find Kabirizi group. Along the way we encountered the night nest of the silverback Mukunda, who still stays by himself in the
- [Tree-Climbing Ihirwe Knocks Teeth Out After Falling](https://gorilladoctors.org/tree-climbing-ihirwe-knocks-teeth-out-after-falling/): Ihirwe with Caretaker Innocent.Approaching the age of 2, orphan Ihirwe is quite a rambunctious little gorilla and grows bolder by the day. People passing by the MGVP's gorilla quarantine facility in Kinigi even at a distance might glimpse Ihirwe scrambling in tree branches high above the ground. It’s amazing to think that a baby could
- [Ten Things I Learned in the Forest](https://gorilladoctors.org/ten-things-i-learned-in-the-forest/): By Dr. Dawn Zimmerman After a few months of preparation, two weeks of sheer packing panic, and the world’s fastest transfer of a life’s worth of possessions from a home to a storage locker, I was finally on my way to Africa for my new job as MGVP’s regional veterinary manager. Thirty hours after leaving
- [Top 10 Ways to Protect Mountain Gorillas](https://gorilladoctors.org/top-10-ways-to-protect-mountain-gorillas/): POST UPDATED: May 17, 2024 Remember this viral YouTube video showing a tourist being touched by wild mountain gorillas? It no doubt inspired thousands to go and visit mountain gorillas in a search to recreate this experience ever since. Now that gorilla trekking tourism has fully rebounded after the recent COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately many videos
- [Improved Health Monitoring Tool Benefits Veterinarians and Gorillas](https://gorilladoctors.org/improved-health-monitoring-tool-benefits-veterinarians-and-gorillas/): Dr. Eddy observes a silverback in Humba group during a health check.By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer How do the Gorilla Doctors keep mountain gorillas healthy? The first step, and the foundation of our gorilla healthcare program, is gorilla health monitoring—visually observing the members of gorilla groups on a regular basis to check for signs
- [Mountain Gorilla Dunia Treated for Snare in DR Congo](https://gorilladoctors.org/mountain-gorilla-dunia-treated-for-snare-in-dr-congo/): By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer On December 13, the Chief Park Warden of Virunga National Park, Emmanuel de Merode, called Dr. Eddy to report that rangers had found a mountain gorilla caught in a poacher’s trap in the Jomba region of the park. The gorilla, Dunia, a four- or five-year-old female belonging to the
- [Welcome Dr. Dawn!](https://gorilladoctors.org/welcome-dr-dawn/): Dr. Dawn with a baby orangutan.Those of us on the staff of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project are happy to welcome our newest Gorilla Doctor, Dr. Dawn Zimmerman, who will serve as the regional veterinary manager at our headquarters in Musanze, Rwanda. Taking over the position from Dr. Jan, Dr. Dawn will manage our veterinary
- [Empowering African Veterinarians](https://gorilladoctors.org/empowering-african-veterinarians/): By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer The MGVP aims to employ outstanding African veterinarians and mentor the next generation of wildlife health experts. To do so, we sponsor educational programs at African schools and universities and continuing education for our staff members. By investing in training we are ultimately envisioning the time when in-country veterinarians
- [Farewell, Dr. Jan](https://gorilladoctors.org/farewell-dr-jan/): Dr. Jan (Photo by LuAnne Cadd)I can’t believe I’m leaving Africa. After almost two-and-a-half years I am headed back home to Indiana at the end of this month. This has been one of the most amazing and fulfilling experiences of my life – working as a Gorilla Doctor with such a dedicated team in Rwanda,
- [Doctors Treat Silverback with Severe Ear Infection](https://gorilladoctors.org/doctors-treat-silverback-with-severe-ear-infection/): Kigoma with discharge leaking from his left ear.By Dr. Jan Ramer On November 18, Volcanoes National Park Veterinary Warden Elisabeth Nyirakaragire and I went to assess Kigoma, the third silverback in Kwitonda group, who had been reported to be suffering from an ear infection. We tracked the group for 1.5 hours, finally finding the group
- [The MGVP Story: 25 Years in the Making](https://gorilladoctors.org/the-mgvp-story-25-years-in-the-making/): Dian Fossey with her pet monkey Kima. By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer This year, MGVP is celebrating its 25th anniversary and we'd like to share a little bit of our history with you. The MGVP began from the vision of American gorilla researcher Dian Fossey. Fossey dedicated her life to studying and protecting mountain
- [Tackling Infectious Disease Outbreaks](https://gorilladoctors.org/tackling-infectious-disease-outbreaks/): Dr. Julius finds a bat.By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer 2011 marked the second year of PREDICT, the USAID-funded project led by the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center investigating emerging infectious diseases in wildlife in Uganda and Rwanda. Our PREDICT staff, who are dedicated to finding new diseases that could transfer from wildlife to humans,
- [Two Snares in Three Days](https://gorilladoctors.org/two-snares-in-three-days/): This blog was written by Dr. Jan. Gasore with the snare.Thursday October 20, Dr. Eddy and I were driving back from Senkwekwe Center, in Rumangabo, DR Congo where we had just finished Shamavu’s quarantine examination when I got a phone call from Volcanoes National Park's Veterinary Warden Elisabeth Nyirakaragire. There was a snare on an
- [Help the Gorilla Doctors Celebrate 25 Years of Saving Lives](https://gorilladoctors.org/help-the-gorilla-doctors-celebrate-25-years-of-saving-lives/): Download our annual report and 2012 calendar by clicking on the image.Dear Friends, This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, and we thank you for being a part of our work. In 1986, at the request of the late Dian Fossey, Ruth Morris Keesling founded what was then called the
- [Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Census Underway](https://gorilladoctors.org/bwindi-mountain-gorilla-census-underway/): A silverback gorilla in Bwindi.By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer A new census is underway to count the number of mountain gorillas living in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Counting will also be attempted in the contiguous Sarambwe Nature Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo if the security situation allows it. During the last
- [Meet Deborah Dunham, Our Newest Board Member](https://gorilladoctors.org/meet-deborah-dunham-our-newest-board-member/): Deborah and Volcanoes National park staff.We’d like to introduce you to one of our newest Advisory Board members, Deborah L. Dunham of Davis, California. When asked about her connection to mountain gorillas, here is what Deborah had to say: “I can’t imagine anyone spending time looking into the eyes of a mountain gorilla and not
- [Lone Silverback Roughs Up Ugenda Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/lone-silverback-roughs-up-ugenda-group/): Kubana with a wound on her face.This blog was written by Dr. Jan. On the afternoon of September 17 Veronica Vecellio from Karisoke Research Center reported that there was an interaction in Ugenda group with an unidentified lone silverback. Inziza, an adult female, tried to follow the lone silverback and her 3.5-year-old daughter Igitangaza tried
- [New Confiscated Grauer's Orphan in Good Hands](https://gorilladoctors.org/new-confiscated-grauers-orphan-in-good-hands/): Ranger Christian Shamavu and Dr. Jan Ramer with the orphan.By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer On the evening of October 6, Emmanuel de Merode, the Chief Park Warden of Virunga National Park, called Dr. Jan and reported that his rangers had successfully rescued a baby Grauer’s gorilla from poachers and were bringing the infant to
- [Susa Twin Injured But OK](https://gorilladoctors.org/susa-twin-injured-but-ok/): This blog was written by Dr. Jan. The injured female twin.On Monday, October 3, a report came from Susa group trackers that one of the twins of Rumuvu had been killed in an interaction, and that Garuka Kaneza, the 4 year old son of Rumuvu was carrying the dead infant. On 4 October, when we
- [Infant Gorilla Suffers Tremors, But Recovers](https://gorilladoctors.org/infant-gorilla-suffers-tremors-but-recovers/): Ibidukikije wants to be near Kwitonda.Dr. Jan reports on a recent case in Kwitonda group: One September 3, Elisabeth Nyirakaragire, Volcanoes National Park's Veterinary Warden received a call at 12:30 that Ibidukikije, the two-year-old infant son of Kibyei in Kwitonda group, was having difficulty moving and deteriorating. We immediately arranged to go to the group,
- [Dr. Fred's Annual Health Assessment of Uganda's Gorillas](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-freds-annual-health-assessment-of-ugandas-gorillas/): Mwirima with juveniles and infants crossing a water stream.Dr. Fred, MGVP’s Ugandan field veterinarian, offers his annual report on the health status of the habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks. Rushegura Group Rushegura is one of the biggest groups in Bwindi with 22 gorillas. The group is still under leadership of
- [Dr. Jan Films Twins and New Baby in Susa Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-jan-films-twins-and-new-baby-in-susa-group/): On her recent health check with Susa group in Volcanoes National Park, Dr. Jan was able to get some good shots and video footage of female Rumuvu and her twins and the new baby of Rwandarushya. Here is her report: Susa group feeding.I visited Susa group after a new baby was reported, and there were
- [Mountain Gorilla Dies from Respiratory Infection in Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/mountain-gorilla-dies-from-respiratory-infection-in-rwanda/): The ailing Ntobo lies on the ground. Drs. Jean-Felix Kinani and Jan Ramer report on the case of Ntobo, a female gorilla in Volcanoes National Park who died on September 9, 2011. From Dr. Jean Felix on September 8: Yesterday, Karisoke Research Center (KRC) trackers requested a veterinary assessment for Ntobo, one of the females
- [Dr. Jan Finds Healthy, Happy Babies in Hirwa Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-jan-finds-healthy-happy-babies-in-hirwa-group/): As Dr. Jan observes the Hirwa twins, they enjoy observing her. Dr. Jan reports on her routine health check visit with Hirwa group in Volcanoes National park, Rwanda. Today I visited Hirwa group for a routine health check. We found the group at 8:00 am in the area called Sanzari. The group was very calm,
- [Grauer’s to GRACE: Dr. Jan's Report](https://gorilladoctors.org/grauers-to-grace-dr-jans-report/): This blog was written by Dr. Jan. The orphans play a caretaker the quarantine facility in Kinigi, Rwanda.In late July, after months of careful planning, the six Grauer’s gorillas being cared for at the Mountain Gorilla Quarantine Facility in Kinigi, Rwanda, went back to their home country of DR Congo. Pinga, Serafuli, Itebero, Ntabwoba, Dunia
- [Orphan Ndakasi Suffers Another Health Scare](https://gorilladoctors.org/orphan-ndakasi-suffers-another-health-scare/): Poor little orphan Ndakasi can’t catch a break. The four-year-old mountain gorilla orphan who sustained a bad concussion falling out of tree in July gave the Gorilla Doctors and Virunga National Park staff another health scare this month when she became ill with an infection of unknown origin. Read Dr. Jan’s dispatches about Ndakasi’s illness
- [BREAKING NEWS: Mountain Gorilla Orphan Confiscated from Poachers in Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/breaking-news-mountain-gorilla-orphan-confiscated-from-poachers-in-rwanda/): MGVP Caretaker Fabien Bahati and Dr. Jan Ramer with the orphan. Musanze, Rwanda – On Sunday, August 7, police in the town of Gisenyi, Rwanda, arrested a group of Congolese and Rwandan men after they were caught smuggling an infant mountain gorilla from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Rwanda. Veterinarians from the
- [New Orphan Ihirwe Gets a Health Check](https://gorilladoctors.org/new-orphan-ihirwe-gets-a-health-check/): IhirweToday Dr. Jean-Felix was able to perform a health check on the orphan and he discovered that the gorilla is a little girl! She has been given the same Ihirwe, meaning “luck” in Kinyarwanda, the native language of Rwanda. We think she was very lucky that police caught the men holding her captive! Dr. Jean-Felix
- [Orphan Ihirwe's Medical Exam](https://gorilladoctors.org/orphan-ihirwes-medical-exam/): Dr. Jean-Felix reaches out to Ihirwe.On August 18, the Gorilla Doctors performed a full medical examination on new mountain gorilla orphan Ihirwe to determine if she has any diseases or other health disorders. The infant had been suffering from a respiratory infection but was recovering nicely after receiving antibiotics. Ihirwe receives the anesthesia injection.Here is
- [Gorilla Orphan Emergency at Senkwekwe](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-orphan-emergency-at-senkwekwe/): The call came in at 5:40pm - Ndakasi, one of the 4-year-old orphan gorillas at Senkwekwe Center in Rumangabo, was in serious condition. The network was horrible as I tried to communicate with Dr. Eddy and with Emmanuel de Merode, the Director of Virunga National Park. When the caregivers called the gorillas back into the
- [Six Captive Orphaned Gorillas Move One Step Closer to Freedom](https://gorilladoctors.org/six-captive-orphaned-gorillas-move-one-step-closer-to-freedom/): Grauer's orphans in Rwanda.PRESS RELEASE July 25, 2011 Musanze, Rwanda - In a remarkable feat of collaboration between the wildlife authorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda and multiple conservation organizations, six Grauer’s gorilla orphans were successfully moved this past weekend from a small temporary housing facility in Rwanda to a
- [Dr. Jan Checks on Susa's Twins and Silverback Igisha](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-jan-checks-on-susas-twins-and-silverback-igisha/): Dr. Jan reports on her routine health check with Susa group in Volcanoes National Park. Wound on the top of Igisha’s right hand.Today I visited Susa group and we found them at Gasizi area. I learned that morning that silverback Igisha had been caught in a snare on his right hand yesterday and he had
- [Titus’ Son Kuryama Dethroned, Injured](https://gorilladoctors.org/titus-son-kuryama-dethroned-injured/): In late May, silverback Kuryama, son of the late Titus and leader of Kuryama group, was dethroned after losing a fight to the group’s two other silverbacks, Kirahura and Vuba. The rest of group followed new leader Kirahura and left behind Kuryama, who had suffered serious wounds. Kuryama himself had taken control of the group
- [Virunga's Bloodhounds Get a Check up](https://gorilladoctors.org/virungas-bloodhounds-get-a-check-up/): This blog was written by MGVP volunteer Matt Marinkovich, a veterinary medicine student at Cornell. Last weekend, Claire Welsh and I, both volunteers this summer with MGVP, accompanied Dr. Jan to Rumangabo, the headquarters of Virunga National Park in DR Congo, to check up on the park’s bloodhounds and the orphan mountain gorillas. We departed
- [Battle Worn Silverback Kubaha Gets a Boost from the Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/battle-worn-silverback-kubaha-gets-a-boost-from-the-doctors/): After a clash between Isabukuru and Kuryama groups on June 14, the young silverback Kubaha was left wounded and weak. MGVP's Gorilla Doctors decided to step in an help him after he failed to improve much on his own. Here are the Doctors' reports: Kubaha yawning in his night nest on June 15.From Dr. Jan
- [Infant Infura Freed from Snare by the Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/infant-infura-freed-from-snare-by-the-gorilla-doctors/): This blog was written by Dr. Mike. On May 24, Karisoke Research Center (KRC) reported that the infant Infura of Pablo group was caught in a rope snare in Volcanoes National Park. The next morning, a team from MGVP and KRC trekked to Pablo group, prepared for an intervention. Unfortunately the group was highly agitated
- [Doctors Help Newborn With Missing Foot](https://gorilladoctors.org/doctors-help-newborn-with-missing-foot/): This blog was written by Dr. Jan. Umurimo of Umubano group in Volcanoes National Park was found to have given birth to a male on June 4 and the birth and infant were reported as normal that day. On June 5 trackers noted that the infant had a severe injury to his left foot. One
- [MGVP Rescues Two Golden Monkeys in Four Days](https://gorilladoctors.org/mgvp-rescues-two-golden-monkeys-in-four-days/): These reports are based on interventions that took place earlier this year. The first intervention story was written by Dr. Jean-Felix. The second was written by Communications Officer Molly Feltner. Intervention #1 The golden monkey inside a dog crate after being rescued. Golden monkeys are an endangered species in Volcanoes National Park like the mountain gorillas.
- [Veterinary Contributions to “Extreme Conservation” Lead to Increase in Mountain Gorilla Population](https://gorilladoctors.org/veterinary-contributions-to-extreme-conservation-lead-to-increase-in-mountain-gorilla-population/): Musanze, Rwanda June 9, 2011 Press Release: Veterinary Contributions to “Extreme Conservation” Lead to Increase in Mountain Gorilla Population MGVP's Dr. Jan Ramer and Dr. Fred Nizeyimana remove a poacher's snare from an infant mountain gorilla in Uganda. [Editor's note: A four-minute video of MGVP saving a baby mountain gorilla caught in a poacher’s snare
- [Mukunda Returns to Virunga National Park After Village Romp](https://gorilladoctors.org/mukunda-returns-to-virunga-national-park-after-village-romp/): Fresh bananas! Don't mind if I do. . . This blog was written by Drs. Eddy and Mike. On May 12, the Gorilla Doctors were informed by Virunga National Park officials in DR Congo that the lone silverback Mukunda had left the national park and traveled to the village of Rugari. You may recall from
- [MGVP Supports Local Alternative Fuel Business](https://gorilladoctors.org/mgvp-supports-local-alternative-fuel-business/): A sign advertising the business in Kinyarwanda is put in place. This blog was written by MGVP volunteer Claire Welsh. MGVP has supported local alternative fuel briquette entrepreneurs, Mao and Imaculee Umiwana, as they manufacture briquettes made only of recycled paper and sawdust. Through generous donations, MGVP painted and fixed up the workshop where the
- [Dr. Jan Discovers a New Baby in Susa Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-jan-discovers-a-new-baby-in-susa-group/): Ubuntu with her infant and an older infant.From Dr. Jan: Today I visited Susa group and we found them only 30 minutes inside the wall. The group was in an open area, eating celery, resting and playing. We found everyone but the silverback Kiki. I was asked by RDB to try to get photos of
- [Mishaya Group Clashes with Non-Habituated Gorilla Group in Bwindi](https://gorilladoctors.org/mishaya-group-clashes-with-non-habituated-gorilla-group-in-bwindi/): Mishaya is a silverback in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, who left Nshongi group in Bwindi last year with a few females to start his own group. He was able to gather a few other females from the other groups in the area, reaching a total of group size of 12 gorillas including three infants.
- [Dr. Noel Travels to Zoos in the U.S.](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-noel-travels-to-zoos-in-the-u-s/): Dr. Noel with an elephant at the Indianapolis Zoo. This year from January 16 to February 21, I traveled to the U.S. for the first time. I came to the country for the purpose of gaining veterinary clinical experience, learning more advanced laboratory techniques at the Indianapolis and Maryland Zoos, working with the MGVP technician
- [Gorilla Doctors Assist with Confiscation Grauer's Gorilla Orphan Lubutu](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-assist-with-confiscation-grauers-gorilla-orphan-lubutu/): Lubutu the day of his confiscation.By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer In late March we received word that another male Grauer's gorilla was confiscated in Lubutu, DR Congo, by the Congolese Wildlife Authority (ICCN). Maiko National Park Chief Park Warden Paulin Ngobobo has been working on this confiscation and breaking up the poacher network in
- [Dr. Jan's Checks up on the Hirwa Twins](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-jans-checks-up-on-the-hirwa-twins/): This blog was written by Dr. Jan. On March 31 I visited Hirwa group for a routine health check. We found the group at 8:20 am in the area called Rwebeya. They were not far from their night nests, enjoying the sun, and eating the celery and vines that surrounded them. I was with Safari,
- [Making a Mountain Gorilla Family, Part III](https://gorilladoctors.org/making-a-mountain-gorilla-family-part-iii/): Dr. Jan examines Ndakasi's hand.This blog was written by Dr. Jan. The Gorilla Doctors and Virunga National Park staff have been working slowly but surely to integrate the only 4 captive mountain gorillas on earth into a family unit. As a family, the gorillas have a much better chance of surviving in wild should they
- [Human Virus Linked to Deaths of Endangered Mountain Gorillas](https://gorilladoctors.org/human-virus-linked-to-deaths-of-endangered-mountain-gorillas/): Infant mountain gorilla. PRESS RELEASE March 29, 2011 Human Virus Linked to Deaths of Endangered Mountain Gorillas Musanze, Rwanda - For the first time, a virus that causes respiratory disease in humans has been linked to the deaths of wild mountain gorillas, says a team of researchers in a new study published online today in the CDC
- [Battle Wounds and Family Antics in Kwitonda Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/battle-wounds-and-family-antics-in-kwitonda-group/): This blog was written by Dr. Jan. On Wednesday I received a call from Elisabeth that Kwitonda had sustained a laceration to his side during a fight involving Akarevuro and Kigoma, the other two silverbacks in the group. Yesterday we found the night nests just inside the wall. We tracked them inside the park for
- [Animal Planet films the Gorilla Doctors and Virunga National Park](https://gorilladoctors.org/animal-planet-films-the-gorilla-doctors-and-virunga-national-park/): Producer Jason Giberti, Dr. Jan, Dr. Eddy, and Cameraman/Diretcor Jim Incledon By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer On March 11, a film crew from the Animal Planet TV series Wildlife SOS arrived in DR Congo to document the work of the Gorilla Doctors and Virunga National Park rangers for 9 days. Host Simon Cowell (no,
- [Update on Samehe, the Gorilla Who Fought Until the End](https://gorilladoctors.org/update-on-samehe-the-gorilla-who-fought-until-the-end/): Here's the update on Samehe, the adult female from Nkuringo group in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park who suffered a serious head wound and has been receiving ongoing treatment from the Gorilla Doctors. Dr. Magda reports: Samehe's wound on March 16. On March 15 Dr. Fred reported Samehe to be weak and alone. Her group
- [Making a Gorilla Orphan Family, Part II](https://gorilladoctors.org/making-a-gorilla-orphan-family-part-ii/): By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer On March 12, Gorilla Doctors Jan, Eddy, and Jacques and MGVP and Virunga National Park caretakers renewed their work to integrate mountain gorilla orphans Maisha, Kaboko, Ndeze, and Ndakasi into a family. Up until recent weeks the two young gorillas Ndeze and Ndakasi and the two older gorillas, Maisha
- [Making a Mountain Gorilla Orphan Family](https://gorilladoctors.org/making-a-mountain-gorilla-orphan-family/): In mid-February, Dr. Jan traveled to the Senkwekwe sanctuary at Virunga National Park to help the Congolese Wildlife Aurhoity (ICCN) with the introduction of the mountain gorilla orphans Ndeze and Ndakasi to Maisha and Kaboko. After a few months of being able to view each other from their separate forest enclosures , the four mountain
- [Intervening After Gorilla Love Gets Messy](https://gorilladoctors.org/intervening-after-gorilla-love-gets-messy/): This week, Dr. Magda traveled to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda to perform an intervention in Nkuringo group following a report from rangers that the adult female Msameha had suffered a serious head wound. Dr. Fred, our Uganda field veterinarian, was unable to assist because of a bad case of food poisoning. Here is
- [MGVP Welcomes Two New Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/mgvp-welcomes-two-new-gorilla-doctors/): By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer Thanks to the USAID PREDICT grant awarded to the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center, MGVP has been able to hire 2 new African veterinarians, Dr. Rachael Mbabazi and Dr. Olivier Nsengimana. Both will be serving as field assistants for the PREDICT program, with Dr. Rachael working under Dr. Benard
- [Kabatwa’s Twins!](https://gorilladoctors.org/kabatwas-twins/): A lovely day for sun bathing.Wednesday started as any routine health check in a gorilla group – I gathered camera, GPS, radio, printed the Hirwa group health record sheet and headed to the forest. I picked up the RDB tracker Safari and off we went. Safari explained that the group had been outside the forest
- [Dr. Jan's Update on Baby Kyasa](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-jans-update-on-baby-kyasa/): This blog was written by Dr. Jan. We started hearing rumors about another baby gorilla in Walikali, DR Congo in November. We hear rumors of baby gorillas with some regularity, and they are always followed up. Unfortunately the most common outcome is that we never see the animal - either the baby has died, or
- [Partners in Conservation and MGVP](https://gorilladoctors.org/partners-in-conservation-and-mgvp/): By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer The Gorilla Doctors recognize that the conservation of the mountain gorillas is a collective effort involving many different organizations. Indeed, much of our own work providing veterinary care to the gorillas is funded by donations and grants given by other organizations and foundations. Great thanks is owed to Partners
- [Docs Remove Snare from Infant in Umabano Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/docs-remove-snare-from-infant-in-umabano-group/): This blog was written by Dr. Jean-Felix Zirikana is a 4-year-old infant male in Umubano group in Rwanda's Volacnoes National Park. His mother is Umurimo and his father is the SB Charles. He was reported to be caught in rope snare on left leg on January 2. Trackers were able to cut rope from tree
- [Saving Baby Fred](https://gorilladoctors.org/saving-baby-fred/): On November 22nd 2010 I got a phone call from Mr. Pontious Ezuma, the Senior Warden of Mgahinga National Park, Uganda. He informed me that an infant gorilla had been caught up in a snare and needed rescue. He sounded alarmed because of the location of the snare—around the infant's neck and seemingly almost strangling
- [Maisha and Kaboko Update](https://gorilladoctors.org/maisha-and-kaboko-update/): Maisha in a tree. Photo courtesy Sinziana Demian, DFGFI This blog is by Dr. Eddy and Dr. Jan. Maisha seems to have settled into her new home as Senkwekwe Center very nicely. She enjoys going outside and exploring, and enjoys the security of the night house as well. Kaboko feeling ill. Kaboko, on the other
- [Mountain Gorilla Population In Virunga Increases by Incredible 26.3 % according to 2010 Census](https://gorilladoctors.org/mountain-gorilla-population-in-virunga-increases-by-incredible-26-3-according-to-2010-census/): Map showing location and size of gorilla groups in the Virungas.The population of critically endangered mountain gorillas living in Africa's Virunga Massif has grown by 26.3% to approximately 480 individuals in the past seven years according to the newly released results of the 2010 mountain gorilla census. The last mountain gorilla census of the Virunga
- [Gorilla Doctors Attempt to Rescue a Baby with a Snare around Its Neck](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-attempt-to-rescue-a-baby-with-a-snare-around-its-neck/): Baby with the snare around his neck. This blog was written by Dr. Jan and Dr. Fred Remember the little gorilla in Nykagezi group who had a snare removed from his leg 2 months ago? The same poor infant of mother Inshuti and silverback Mark got another snare on November 22, and this time it
- [Maisha and Kaboko Return to Congo](https://gorilladoctors.org/maisha-and-kaboko-return-to-congo/): Dr. Jan shares her experience of moving the orphaned mountain gorillas Maisha and Kaboko back to Congo. We tried to think of everything that could possibly go wrong. After many meetings and a few sleepless nights, we had Plan A, Plan B, back-up medical kits and emergency darts prepared. It was finally moving day for
- [Press Release: Mountain Gorilla Orphans Move to Gorilla Sanctuary in DR Congo](https://gorilladoctors.org/press-release-mountain-gorilla-orphans-move-to-gorilla-sanctuary-in-dr-congo/): Maisha and Kaboko look out the window of their new enclosure. On Tuesday, November 23, 2010, two mountain gorillas orphaned by poachers in DR Congo's Virunga National Park in 2004 and 2007 were relocated back to Virunga after several years spent in Rwanda, the country where they were confiscated. Nine-year-old female Maisha and 6-year-old Kaboko
- [Employee Profile: Dr. Eddy Kambale](https://gorilladoctors.org/employee-profile-dr-eddy-kambale/): Dr. Eddy in the forest.By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer While known for his sense of humor and warm smile, Dr. Eddy Kambale—one of MGVP's two in-country field veterinarians based in DR Congo—has on numerous occasions been tasked with carrying out some of our most difficult missions. Since 2004, Dr. Eddy, in collaboration with our
- [Dr. Fred's Pulse Check on the Gorillas of Uganda](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-freds-pulse-check-on-the-gorillas-of-uganda/): In his latest blog, Dr. Fred, our Uganda in-country field veterinarian, offers a comprehensive overview of the health status of the gorillas he monitors and treats in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga national park. Read on to learn about the group composition and health histories of the 9 gorilla groups regularly monitored by the Gorilla Doctors
- [Gorilla Doctors attend the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians conference](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-attend-the-american-association-of-zoo-veterinarians-conference/): A few weeks ago, four of the Gorilla Doctors attended the annual American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) conference in San Padre Island, Texas, to network with and learn from zoo and wild animal veterinarians from around world. Our own Dr. Jan, the outgoing president of AAZV, was joined by Drs. Mike and Kirsten, plus
- [Visiting Kabirizi Family](https://gorilladoctors.org/visiting-kabirizi-family/): (This blog was written by Dr. Eddy in DRC) Infant in Kabirizi group. I recently visited the Kabirizi family from Bukima patrol post in Virunga National Park. The group traveled a long distance from where rangers left him from the previous visit. We found their night nests around 10:25am at Kingona area and 24 night
- [MGVP One Health Program Tackles Rabies in Rwanda](https://gorilladoctors.org/mgvp-one-health-program-tackles-rabies-in-rwanda/): By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer Since 2006, the Gorilla Doctors have worked with the Rwanda Animal Resource Development Authority to vaccinate the domestic dogs and cats living around Volcanoes National Park annually. Rabies, which can be transmitted from domestic pets to humans, other animals, and even gorillas, is one of the critical diseases being
- [Employee Profile: Meet Schadrack Niyonzima](https://gorilladoctors.org/employee-profile-meet-schadrack-niyonzima/): By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer Schadrack Niyonzima works as the Administrative Assistant at our regional headquarters in Musanze, Rwanda, and has been a vital member of the team since joining us in September 2010. Thanks to Schadrack's management skills and political and business savvy, MGVP's local operations run smoothly. As the MGVP Administrative Assistant,
- [Intervention in Uganda: Saving a Baby Mountain Gorilla from a Poacher's Snare](https://gorilladoctors.org/intervention-in-uganda-saving-a-baby-mountain-gorilla-from-a-poachers-snare/): Nyakagezi group spends time in both Uganda and DRC – they don’t know that there is a boundary between the two countries in their forest home. They are currently living in Uganda in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. There are 3 silverback gorillas, led by Mark, 2 blackbacks, Ndungutse and Rukundo, and 2 adult females and
- [Visting Humba, the Peaceful Family](https://gorilladoctors.org/visting-humba-the-peaceful-family/): This blog was written by Dr. Eddy in DRC. Humba eating a leaf given by an adult female.Humba group has 14individuals and its home ranger is in the Bukima area of the Mikeno sector in Virunga National Park. In my opinion, Humba is the best and most peaceful family to visit. The silverback Humba is
- [Update on Mukunda, the Wandering Silverback](https://gorilladoctors.org/update-on-mukunda-the-wandering-silverback/): This week's blog is written by Dr. Eddy, one of our Congolese veterinarians. As reminder, the young silverback Mukunda likes to raid crops outside Virunga National Park and he has twice traveled far outside of the park, requiring the Gorilla Doctors to anesthetize him so he could be carried back. The second time, on July
- [Kwitonda and Magumu](https://gorilladoctors.org/kwitonda-and-magumu/): The report from the field was that Kwitonda, the chief silverback for the group that bears his name, was slow, lethargic, and staying more than 20 meters behind his group. This was alarming. Kwitonda is said to be at least 35 years old, although we don’t know his age for sure. He is a strong
- [Employee Profile: Get to Know Dr. Fred Nizeyimana](https://gorilladoctors.org/employee-profile-get-to-know-dr-fred-nizeyimana/): Drs. Fred, Jan, and Noel and UWA rangers and trackers hike to Mgahinga to perform an intervention.By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer Dr. Fred Nizeyimana joined the Gorilla Doctors this year as our Uganda In-Country Field Veterinarian and has been dedicated to monitoring the health of Uganda's mountain gorilla ever since. Born in Kisoro, Uganda,
- [Research at MGVP: Students Investigate Disease Transfer between Cattle, Buffalo, and Gorillas](https://gorilladoctors.org/research-at-mgvp-students-investigate-disease-transfer-between-cattle-buffalo-and-gorillas/): Students James and Kris and Laboratory Technician Dr. Noel indentify cattle to be sampled on a farm bordering the park. By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer To complement our efforts to save mountain gorilla lives in the field, we support research projects examining gorilla and ecosystem health issues. This September, James Hassell, a veterinary student
- [Orphan Update: Busy Times in Kinigi as Orphans Prepare for Move to DR Congo](https://gorilladoctors.org/orphan-update-busy-times-in-kinigi-as-orphans-prepare-for-move-to-dr-congo/): This blog was written by Dr. Madga with additional details provided by Dr. Jan. The past few weeks have proved to be busy at the Kinigi orphan facility as we prepare the mountain gorillas for their move to the Senkwekwe Center in Virunga National Park and the Grauer's gorillas for their move to Grace (Gorilla
- [Amahoro, Peace](https://gorilladoctors.org/amahoro-peace/): Amahoro means peace in Kinyarwanda. Yesterday was a routine health check for Amahoro group and we found the group to be very peaceful! We walked up the gentle slopes of the saddle between Sabinyo and Visoke volcanoes through a bamboo forest, finally arriving at a lovely valley. Sabyinyo and Mikeno volcanoes were beautiful in the
- [Dr. Noel's Routine Health Check of Sabyinyo Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/dr-noels-routine-health-check-of-sabyinyo-group/): This blog was written by Jean Bosco Noheli or Noel, MGVP's Regional Laboratory Technician. Noel, a recent veterinary school graduate, recently began joining the Gorilla Doctors on their regular health monitoring visits in Volcanoes National Park. This is my 11th visit to the gorillas for routine health checks and today I visited Sabyinyo, which has
- [Health Check in Hirwa Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/health-check-in-hirwa-group/): Munyinya is the silverback for Hirwa group. He looks over a family of five adult females and their infants. This week’s health check was a pleasure – the family was resting and playing in the bamboo zone, and as usual the kids were playing like crazy all around Muyinya. At one point I could see
- [Mukunda](https://gorilladoctors.org/mukunda/): Mukunda is the 15-year-old son of Senkwekwe. He is a sliverback who saw his father, mother and five other family members shot and killed in Congo in 2007. At the time he was a blackback gorilla who helped the remaining family to flee the horror of that day. He has been living in Rugendo group,
- [Kwita Izina](https://gorilladoctors.org/kwita-izina/): Kwita Izina. The annual gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda. This event started years ago with a small group of trackers, guides, researchers and veterinarians who would gather annually to name the baby gorillas born during the year. It has grown to an international event, attended by tens of thousands of people from Rwanda and the
- [Kwitonda and Inzuvo](https://gorilladoctors.org/kwitonda-and-inzuvo/): There are still many days when I am in the Virungas I can’t quite believe I work here. This was one of those days. As trackers Jerome and Aaron and I walked up the mountain on our way to find Kwitonda group, I was learning new Kinyarwanda words. I had learned the Kinyarwanda word for
- [Rounds with the MGVP Regional Veterinary Team](https://gorilladoctors.org/rounds-with-the-mgvp-regional-veterinary-team/): Each month all Gorilla Doctors gather in Ruhengeri at our regional office for “veterinary rounds.” We also invite Dr. Arthur, the ICCN veterinarian for Virunga National Park in Congo, Dr. Cyprian, our volunteer veterinarian who is helping with our domestic animals cases, and Elisabeth, the Volcanoes Nation Park Veterinary Warden and our dear partner in
- [Tragedy in Pablo Group](https://gorilladoctors.org/tragedy-in-pablo-group/): Last Sunday afternoon I got a call from Joel at Karisoke Research Center. The 2 week old baby of Imvune in Ugenda group was crying a lot, and may have had some blood on his feet. Trackers were worried. I put my pack in the truck and headed up to Bisote, the place where I
- [Ndeze and Ndakasi’s Update](https://gorilladoctors.org/ndeze-and-ndakasis-update/): Blog by: Dr. Eddy Kambale MGVP DRC In-Country Field Veterinarian Ndeze and Ndakasi are the two Mountain Gorilla orphans who were transferred from Goma to Senkwekwe at Rumangabo, DRC about 6 months ago. They have been showing a very good health state and no major health problem needing MGVP Gorillas Doctors interventions! In their lovely
- [Mountain Gorilla Census 2010](https://gorilladoctors.org/mountain-gorilla-census-2010/): Blog by: Dr. Jean Felix Kinani MGVP Rwandan In-Country Field Veterinarian How many gorillas live in the Virunga Massif? This is a question that has not been answered since the last census of the habitat in 2003. The Virunga Volcanoes is one of only two locations where mountain gorillas live. The last census in 2003
- [GOMA to GRACE](https://gorilladoctors.org/goma-to-grace/): Blog by: Dr. Eddy Kambale MGVP DRC In-Country Field Veterinarian Mapendo, Amani, Kighoma and Ndjingala, the four orphan Grauer’s gorillas who have been living in Goma since they were confiscated from poachers, have moved to a new home in the forest. These four little gorillas have been under the direct care of Gorilla Doctors of
- [New baby in Group 13](https://gorilladoctors.org/new-baby-in-group-13/): We got a call from trackers that Agahozo, a 5 year old male gorilla in Pablo group, was coughing and staying behind the group. This is the season when we begin to worry about respiratory disease in the gorillas – the end of the rainy season. It has been rainy and cool recently, and Pablo
- [Titus and Bwenge](https://gorilladoctors.org/titus-and-bwenge/): It is the rainy season herein Rwanda, and it rained all night. I knew I was headed to the forest the next morning, and hoped the rain might stop for a bit. I lucked out - when I got up that morning it was cool and relatively sunny. I met up with trackers Jean, Isaac
- [Cultivating a Model Farm](https://gorilladoctors.org/cultivating-a-model-farm/): Blog by: John Huston Agriculture Project Coordinator - MGVP One Health Program One part of MGVP's “One Health” approach—the concept of looking at the health of the entire ecosystem including people, domestic animals, and gorillas to help minimize disease transfer between the different groups— is the segment of domestic animal agriculture. Raising livestock, especially cattle,
- [Ndjingala](https://gorilladoctors.org/ndjingala/): The phone rang at 1am, which almost never happens here. It was Sandy, who was staying in Goma, DRC with Ndjingala, our newest Grauer’s gorilla who had been confiscated only a week earlier. Sandy was almost in tears. She had been trying to call and text me for 2 hours but the network was down.
- [Meteo: Part One](https://gorilladoctors.org/meteo-part-one/): There is a large National Park on the south side of Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) called Kahuzi Biega. This is a huge protected area that is home to many families of Grauer’s gorillas, several of which are habituated and visited by tourists, now that the area is politically secure again.
- [Meteo: Part Two](https://gorilladoctors.org/meteo-part-two/): Meteo is a strong little gorilla. Dr. Jacques returned to Kahuzi Biegi a couple of days after we left him last week, and Meteo continued to do very well. He was eating and behaving normally. His elbow does not fully extend, but that does not seem to bother him. Amazing. Dr. Jacques reported that Meteo’s
- [Confiscation in Walikale](https://gorilladoctors.org/confiscation-in-walikale/): We’d been hearing rumors of baby gorillas for sale in Goma for several weeks. When these rumors are true it means, at the very least, that the mother of the infant gorilla in question was killed. And it is even more likely that other gorillas in the family also lost their lives trying desperately to
- [Group 13](https://gorilladoctors.org/group-13/): Trackers heard Agashya coughing. He is the silverback in Group 13, one of the most popular tourist groups in Rwanda. It was not a bad cough, but Group 13 was due for a routine health check, so I scheduled a visit Agashya the next day to check the cough for myself. It was a cool,
- [Alternative Fuel Helps Gorillas!](https://gorilladoctors.org/alternative-fuel-helps-gorillas/): Blog by: John Huston Agriculture Project Coordinator - MGVP One Health Program One of the greatest threats to the mountain gorillas living in Virunga Massif is charcoal. This may sound odd at first, but let me explain the connection. John Huston in Rumangabo investigating fuel briquette technology. People need a fuel source to heat their
- [Sekanabo](https://gorilladoctors.org/sekanabo/): By Drs. Jan and Magda Last Friday afternoon Gorilla Doctors learned that Sekanabo, an infant male gorilla in Kabirizi group, was caught in a snare. As always in these situations there were many phone calls to the appropriate authorities within ICCN to get permission to attempt intervention if needed. One of the main ICCN Wardens,
- [Susa group](https://gorilladoctors.org/susa-group/): Last week I visited Susa group – my first visit to this large group. The group used to be the largest in Rwanda, but recently had a relatively peaceful split. I went to visit Susa A, the larger of the two groups. Susa group also is one of the groups that range the furthest from
- [Turimaso](https://gorilladoctors.org/turimaso/): I received an alarming call Thursday morning from Elisabeth, our veterinary technician with RDB (the Rwandan wildlife authority). There was a 6.5 year old female gorilla in Pablo group with a snare on her left wrist. Trackers found her trailing a long rope snare in the morning and were able to cut most of the
- [New Year’s Day with Kuryama](https://gorilladoctors.org/new-years-day-with-kuryama/): Kuryama group had been missing for 2 days. Sometimes groups do that – they may wander into DRC or move so quickly during or after an interaction with another group that trackers cannot find them. That must have been the case with Kuryama’s group. When they were found the morning of New Year’s Eve the
- [Noel](https://gorilladoctors.org/noel/): Noel was born on Christmas Eve in 2003. He was nurtured for the first 4 years of his life by a large mountain gorilla family led by his father, Senkwekwe. They foraged peacefully on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes above Bukima, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In the summer of 2007 his
- [Two weeks Ndakasi and Ndeze at Senkwekwe Centre](https://gorilladoctors.org/two-weeks-ndakasi-and-ndeze-at-senkwekwe-centre/): Blog by: Dr. Eddy Kambale MGVP DRC In-Country Field Veterinarian After a successful transfer of the two orphan Mountain Gorillas, Ndakasi and Ndeze, on December 1, 2009 to their new home, Senkwekwe Centre, the MGVP team continued to monitor the girls’ health as they adapted to their new environment. No way to compared it with
- [Every year is the “Year of the Gorilla” for us](https://gorilladoctors.org/every-year-is-the-year-of-the-gorilla-for-us/): Blog by: Dr. Mike Cranfield, Executive Director, MGVP, Inc. and Dr. Kirsten Gilardi, Co-Directors, Mountain Gorilla One Health Program Dr. Mike Cranfield (left) and Dr. Kirsten Gilardi (right) The United Nations designated 2009 as the Year of the Gorilla. With the world’s attention drawn to these magnificent animals, the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP) was
- [Gorilla Doctors Participate in PASA Meeting](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-participate-in-pasa-meeting/): Blog by: Dr. Magdalena Lukasik-Braum MGVP Regional Field Veterinarian Last week Dr. Eddy and I spent the whole week in Kenya attending the annual meeting of PASA. PASA is the Pan-African Sanctuary Alliance, which for almost 10 years has worked to help primate sanctuaries in Africa to improve their expertise and facilities. We Gorilla Doctors
- [Moving Day: Ndeze and Ndakasi return to Rumangabo](https://gorilladoctors.org/moving-day-ndeze-and-ndakasi-return-to-rumangabo/): For everybody else in Goma, Tuesday morning was like any other – sunny, hot, noisy, busy. When Ndeze and Ndakasi woke up they had no idea that this day would change their lives. But for Dr. Mike, Dr. Eddy, Dr. Jacques, Sandy (she’s in charge of gorilla orphan care in DRC and Rwanda) and me,
- [Gorilla Doctors and Cows](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-and-cows/): This week I went with John Huston and Dr. Mike for our monthly visit to MGVP Farm Partners. John is our Agriculture Project Coordinator for the MGVP One Health Program and developed our Farm Partner Project. Dr. Mike is the Director of MGVP and was here for one of his regular visits. The Farm Partner
- [Ndeze and Ndakasi move to Senkwekwe](https://gorilladoctors.org/ndeze-and-ndakasi-move-to-senkwekwe/): Blog by: Dr. Eddy Kambale MGVP DRC In-Country Field Veterinarian The story starts with the gorilla massacres in June and July, 2007. Kabirizi and Rugendo gorilla groups both lost members. In Kabirizi gorilla group there was an adult female gorilla with a 2 month old baby. Her name was N’Sekuye, and in June 2007 she
- [Goma Gorilla Orphans](https://gorilladoctors.org/goma-gorilla-orphans/): There are five gorilla orphans living in Goma DRC. They were rescued from largely unknown situations and thanks to hard working Gorilla Doctors and caregivers they are now thriving. Amani, Kighoma and Mapendo are all Grauer’s gorillas. Amani and Kighoma were confiscated this year on the Congo side of the Virunga range. They came to
- [Routine Health Check- Silverback Kuryama](https://gorilladoctors.org/routine-health-check-silverback-kuryama/): Last week I went to visit Kuryama group for a routine health check. Kuryama is the son of Titus, and has proved to be a strong, benevolent ruler like his father. The morning started at 5:30 – I had to pick up the trackers at 6:40 and it is about a 30 minute drive to
- [Shooting Raisins](https://gorilladoctors.org/shooting-raisins/): When we conduct our annual physical examinations on the gorilla orphans, they are big enough now that in order to sedate them they must be injected with a flying dart. Needless to say, they do not much appreciate this procedure, and they have long memories. They remember not only what the darting equipment look like,
- [Field Medical Intervention: Gorilla Kariya Runga](https://gorilladoctors.org/field-medical-intervention-gorilla-kariya-runga/): Last week I had my first experience treating a sick, wild mountain gorilla. Dr. Eddy had been following the case of a 3 year old gorilla from Humba group in DRC, who had a terrible respiratory infection. She felt so bad that she stopped eating, and trackers felt she was growing weak. Dr. Eddy and
- [Titus and Ihumure](https://gorilladoctors.org/titus-and-ihumure/): Many of you have heard about the silverback gorilla Titus. Born during Dian Fossey’s time he was orphaned when he was 4 years old. He survived though, and grew into a strong group leader, while at the same time calm and kind. He was deeply loved by all who knew him – trackers, researchers, veterinarians.
- [Pinga's Exam](https://gorilladoctors.org/pingas-exam/): When I’m having a bad day I like to go watch the gorilla orphans we are caring for in Kinigi. They were the first gorillas I saw after my arrival – while I was in “quarantine” I was able to watch them over the wall of their enclosure, since there was no risk of disease
- [Week one](https://gorilladoctors.org/week-one/): Still not quite believing that I was really headed to Rwanda to be a Gorilla Doctor, I boarded my first of several flights at 6am on a rainy Sunday morning in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was my first day on the job with the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project and while I knew my life was about
- [PRESS RELEASE: Hidden Parasites Could Threaten the Health of Endangered Mountain Gorillas](https://gorilladoctors.org/press-release-hidden-parasites-could-threaten-the-health-of-endangered-mountain-gorillas/): New international research conducted by a team including scientists from the Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IVB CAS), Gorilla Doctors, and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, with support from the Rwanda Development Board and Uganda Wildlife Authority, reveals long-term shifts in parasite communities that may help explain rising health threats
- [One Health for All: A Letter from Gorilla Doctors' Executive Director](https://gorilladoctors.org/one-health-for-all-a-letter-from-gorilla-doctors-executive-director/): I recently returned from visiting with our teams in Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo. If you missed my updates, you can read them [HERE (January 28) and HERE (February 20)]. At Gorilla Doctors, our mission is to conserve wild eastern gorillas through life-saving veterinary medicine and science using a One Health approach—recognizing that the health
- [A Letter from the Executive Director: COVID-19](https://gorilladoctors.org/a-letter-from-the-executive-director-covid-19/): Dear Friends and Supporters, Last week, I attended and presented at the UC Davis One Health Institute annual meeting. As you can imagine, the coronavirus pandemic was a major focus. The One Health Institute, Gorilla Doctors’ administrative home at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, has been at the forefront of international surveillance and
- [Gorilla Doctors Rescue Wild Grauer’s Gorilla from Village](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-rescue-wild-grauers-gorilla-from-village/): On Monday March 3rd, Drs. Eddy Kambale Syaluha, Luis Flores Giron and ICCN veterinarian Dr. Lina Aldophine Nturubika successfully rescued and relocated a wild Grauer’s gorilla blackback who was outside the safety of Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DR Congo. This short video captures their extraordinary effort. A Note from our Executive Director The rescue and relocation
- [Gorilla Doctors in 360-Degree Video](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-in-360-degree-video/): By Justin Cox As many of you know, Gorilla Doctors was featured on 60 Minutes early this month. In addition to the piece they created for the show, they also produced a 360-degree virtual reality segment. If you don't have Virtual Reality gear (which most of us surely don't) you can watch the video on a smart phone
- ['Gorilla Doctors' Film Nominated for Best Science Documentary in Canada](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-film-nominated-for-best-science-documentary-in-canada/): A documentary that tells the story of Gorilla Doctors’ life-saving work has been nominated for an award in Canada’s equivalent of the Emmys. The program, aptly titled Gorilla Doctors, has been nominated for Best Science or Nature Documentary Program; winners will be announced at the Canadian Screen Awards, which will air live on March 13
- [Audio: Counting Gorillas, Recovering Populations & Working as a Team](https://gorilladoctors.org/audio-counting-gorillas-recovering-populations-working-as-a-team/): Gorilla Doctors Co-Director Kirsten Gilardi was recently interviewed on the UC Davis One Health Institute’s radio show, One Health and Wildlife Talk. The conversation touched on many facets of Gorilla Doctors’ work -- from the teams’ routine health checks to the prioritized focus on the health of their veterinarians, national park workers and their families.
- [A Message from Gorilla Doctors on Ebola and Eastern Gorillas](https://gorilladoctors.org/a-message-from-gorilla-doctors-on-ebola-and-eastern-gorillas/): We share the world's deep concern regarding West Africa's Ebolavirus outbreak and the devastating impact the virus is having on people, communities and nations. We are also concerned about the separate Ebolavirus outbreak occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Gorillas are highly susceptible to Ebolavirus; indeed, many thousands of western lowland gorillas have
- [Tool Use Observed in Mountain Gorilla Orphans, Captured on Film](https://gorilladoctors.org/tool-use-observed-in-mountain-gorilla-orphans-captured-on-film/): Rumangabo, DRC - February 13, 2014 -There are only four mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) living in captivity in the entire world and this small group of orphans have found sanctuary at the Virunga National Park’s Senkwekwe Center in Rumangabo, DRC where they receive medical care from the Gorilla Doctors international veterinary team. A partnership between
- [Today, We Honor the Memory of Dr. Dian Fossey](https://gorilladoctors.org/today-we-honor-the-memory-of-dr-dian-fossey/): On this day 28 years ago, the world’s most famous gorilla researcher, Dr. Dian Fossey, was murdered in her cabin at the former Karisoke Research Center site in the misty Virunga Volcanoes of Rwanda. Before her death Fossey realized that, with just 248 mountain gorillas left in the wild, the population needed a dedicated veterinarian
- [Gorilla Doctors!](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors/): Ever since the MGVP started working closely with the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center in 2009, we have grappled with how best to describe and name the work of this key partnership, which now essentially directs, supports and guides the everyday operations of our Gorilla Doctors. In the interest of simplifying things for ourselves and
- [Law Firm Donates More than 120K in Services](https://gorilladoctors.org/law-firm-donates-more-than-120k-in-services/): Behind every successful nonprofit is a dedicated attorney or law firm lending its knowledge and skills to help the organization comply with tax codes and conduct its business with integrity. Gorilla Doctors is very fortunate to have the help of DLA Piper LLP in Baltimore, MD, which has provided its expert services pro bono since

## Pages

- [Home](https://gorilladoctors.org/): Gorilla Doctors is dedicated to protecting wild gorillas through expert veterinary care, conservation science, and a One Health approach.
- [Our History](https://gorilladoctors.org/our-history/): Learn the history of Gorilla Doctors, from early fieldwork to becoming a global leader in wild gorilla health and veterinary medicine.
- [Financial and Annual Reports](https://gorilladoctors.org/financial-and-annual-reports/): Review Gorilla Doctors’ financial and annual reports to see how funds support veterinary care, science, and long-term gorilla health.
- [Join Our Team](https://gorilladoctors.org/join-our-team/): Join Gorilla Doctors to build a career in wildlife medicine, conservation science, and protecting endangered gorillas alongside expert veterinarians.
- [Join Our Team: Development Operations & Annual Giving Manager](https://gorilladoctors.org/join-our-team/devops2026/): Reports To: Chief Development Officer (CDO) Status: Full-Time, Exempt Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience; monthly health stipend; 401(k) and matching contributions; other benefits listed below. Location: Remote, US-based The Organization Gorilla Doctors is the only organization in the world dedicated to hands-on veterinary care for mountain and Grauer’s gorillas in East Central Africa. Founded in
- [Give](https://gorilladoctors.org/give/): Your donation helps Gorilla Doctors provide lifesaving veterinary care, respond to threats, and protect the health of wild gorillas.
- [Our Patients are Wild](https://gorilladoctors.org/our-patients-are-wild/): Explore how Gorilla Doctors treats wild gorillas in their natural habitats, prioritizing animal welfare, conservation science, and ecosystem health.
- [Impact](https://gorilladoctors.org/impact/): Discover the real-world impact Gorilla Doctors has made improving wild gorilla health, survival rates, and long-term population stability.
- [One Health for All](https://gorilladoctors.org/one-health-for-all/): Learn how Gorilla Doctors applies the One Health approach to protect gorillas, people, and ecosystems through conservation medicine.
- [Contact](https://gorilladoctors.org/contact/): Get in touch with Gorilla Doctors for partnerships, media requests, general inquiries, or support related to gorilla health and wildlife medicine.
- [In the News + Publications](https://gorilladoctors.org/in-the-news-publications/): Explore Gorilla Doctors’ news coverage and scientific publications highlighting conservation research, gorilla health insights, and field successes.
- [Meet the Gorilla Doctors](https://gorilladoctors.org/meet-the-gorilla-doctors/): Get to know the Gorilla Doctors team of wildlife veterinarians dedicated to protecting gorilla health through hands-on conservation medicine.
- [Other Ways to Give](https://gorilladoctors.org/other-ways-to-give/): Explore other ways to support Gorilla Doctors, from planned giving to partnerships that strengthen long-term gorilla health efforts.
- [Become a Gorilla Guardian](https://gorilladoctors.org/become-a-gorilla-guardian/): Become a Gorilla Guardian and help protect endangered mountain gorillas through hands-on veterinary care and long-term support with Gorilla Doctors.
- [Board and Advisors](https://gorilladoctors.org/board-and-advisors/): Meet the board and advisors providing strategic guidance to Gorilla Doctors and supporting science-driven decisions for gorilla health.
- [Our Hospital is the Forest](https://gorilladoctors.org/our-hospital-is-the-forest/): Learn how Gorilla Doctors delivers veterinary care directly in the forest, treating wild gorillas where conservation medicine matters most.
- [News and Insights](https://gorilladoctors.org/news-and-insights/): Read the latest news and insights from Gorilla Doctors covering wildlife health, conservation science, field stories, and gorilla protection.
- [Corporate + Foundation Supporters](https://gorilladoctors.org/leadership-supporters/): Meet the leaders and supporters who help Gorilla Doctors strengthen wildlife health programs and advance science-based gorilla care.
- [Partners + Collaborators](https://gorilladoctors.org/partners-collaborators/): Meet the partners and collaborators working with Gorilla Doctors to advance wildlife health, research, and protection for wild gorillas.
- [Visit Us](https://gorilladoctors.org/visit-us/): Plan your visit to Gorilla Doctors and learn more about our work in gorilla health, veterinary care, and protecting wild populations.
- [Solving Health Mysteries](https://gorilladoctors.org/solving-health-mysteries/): Discover how Gorilla Doctors investigates and solves complex health mysteries affecting wild gorillas through science-based veterinary care.
- [Terms of Use](https://gorilladoctors.org/terms-of-use/): Read the terms of use governing access to the Gorilla Doctors website, including content use, responsibilities, and legal guidelines.
- [Privacy Policy](https://gorilladoctors.org/privacy-policy/): Review the Gorilla Doctors privacy policy to understand how personal information is collected, used, and protected across our website.
- [Gorilla Doctors in Action](https://gorilladoctors.org/gorilla-doctors-in-action/): See Gorilla Doctors in action providing lifesaving veterinary care, responding to threats, and protecting wild gorillas in their natural habitats.
- [Donor Bill of Rights](https://gorilladoctors.org/donor-bill-of-rights/): Review the Gorilla Doctors Donor Bill of Rights outlining our commitment to transparency, ethical fundraising, and respect for every supporter.
- [Document Search](https://gorilladoctors.org/document-search/): Use the Gorilla Doctors document search to find research papers, reports, and resources related to gorilla health and wildlife medicine.
- [Document Library](https://gorilladoctors.org/document-library/): Access Gorilla Doctors’ resource library featuring research, reports, policies, and materials supporting gorilla health and veterinary science.
- [Core Values](https://gorilladoctors.org/core-values/): Explore the core values guiding Gorilla Doctors, from science-based decision-making to ethical wildlife care and global collaboration.

## Gorilla Doctors

- [Ruth Uwamahoro, DVM, MSc](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=16172): Title: Project Veterinarian, Pandemic Fund - RwandaGorilla Doctor Since: 2026 What About Project is Most Exciting:Working on zoonotic viruses and helping prevent future pandemics through a One Health approach. Favorite Part of the Job:Fieldwork over office work. Favorite Animal/s (besides gorillas of course):Dogs, because they are loyal companions.
- [Reginald Kasereka Saliboko, DVM, MSc](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=16170): Title: Project Veterinarian, Pandemic Fund - DR CongoGorilla Doctor Since: 2026 Favorite Part of the Job:Raising awareness among communities about zoonotic health risks and working with sample collection from animals. What About Project is Most Exciting:Contributing to epidemiological surveillance of emerging viral diseases at the human-animal interface. Favorite Animal/s (besides gorillas of course):Topi - their
- [Isabelle Kavira Saaine, DVM](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=16168): Title: Project Veterinarian, Pandemic Fund - DR CongoGorilla Doctor Since: 2026 Favorite Part of the Job:Fieldwork, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoying the park while observing different animal species. What About Project is Most Exciting:Contributing to the prevention of zoonotic diseases at the interface between wildlife, domestic animals, and human populations.
- [Luke Nyakarahuka, DVM, MSc, PhD](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=16162): Title: Regional Survey and Data Coordinator, Pandemic Fund - Uganda Gorilla Doctor Since: 2026 Favorite Part of the Job:Interacting with and interrogating data and discovering the surprises and insights hidden within it. Motivation for Joining the Team:The mission of Gorilla Doctors is a noble cause that I want to be part of. It provides an
- [Lewis Niyotwagira, MSc](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=16159): Title: Project Laboratory Technician, Pandemic Fund - RwandaGorilla Doctor Since: 2026 Motivation for Joining the Team:As a biotechnologist, I am passionate about using science to support wildlife health and biodiversity. Being part of a team that combines research, medical care, and conservation to protect such an important species would be a meaningful opportunity for me.
- [John Chepkwurui, DVM](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=16157): Title: Project Veterinarian, Pandemic Fund - UgandaGorilla Doctor Since: 2026 Motivation for Joining the Team:During my undergraduate studies at Makerere University, I got a chance to see the Gorilla Doctors office at the college. My curiosity drove me into getting a deeper understanding about the mission and especially the historical increase in eastern gorilla population
- [Gloria Naome Aduku, DVM](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=16151): Title: Project Veterinarian, Pandemic Fund - Uganda Gorilla Doctor Since: 2026 Favorite Part of the Job:My favorite part of the job is knowing that every action we do is conserving gorillas for generations to come. It gives me a sense of pride that I am part of their conservation story. Motivation for Joining the Team:What
- [Nelson Bukamba, DVM, MSc](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15432): Title: Field Veterinarian, Uganda Gorilla Doctor Since: 2017 Favorite Part of the Job: Knowing that every action taken during both our health monitoring and intervention activities directly contributes to the conservation of an endangered species and their survival is deeply rewarding. Memorable Moment: A moment that is so dear to me was my active participation in an
- [Sarah Paige, MPH, PhD](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=16165): Title: One Health Surveillance Systems Specialist, Pandemic FundGorilla Doctor Since: 2026 Favorite Part of the Job:Being part of this international group reminds me that we are all global citizens, and I love feeling like I am part of something bigger. What About Project is Most Exciting:I am excited to work on a multisectoral project with
- [Sonya Kahlenberg, PhD](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15370): Title: Executive Director Gorilla Doctor Since: 2026 Favorite Part of the Job: My favorite part of the job is helping to build strong, collaborative teams. When people support one another, achieve meaningful conservation impact, and genuinely enjoy the work they do together–that's when the magic happens. Vision for the Future of Eastern Gorilla Conservation: I hope
- [Cedric Kambere Kibengo, DVM](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15403): Title: Field Veterinarian, DR Congo Gorilla Doctor Since: 2024 Favorite Part of the Job: I feel very comfortable when I am in the forest with the gorillas, I always come back satisfied and therefore want to stay with them for a long time. Memorable Moment: Seeing the Grauer’s gorilla baby of Ndekesiri for the first time remains
- [Fabrice Katembo Malonga, DVM](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15408): Title: Field Veterinarian, DR Congo Gorilla Doctor Since: 2020 Memorable Moment: The day I signed my first contract with Gorilla Doctors on July 21, 2020. It was the day when my dream became a reality. Most Proud of: First, I am proud to be a Gorilla Doctor, to be part of this team of experts in great
- [Schadrack Niyonzima, MBA](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15418): Title: Senior Administrator, Rwanda Gorilla Doctor Since: 2009 Motivation for Joining the Team: I loved watching wild animals on different movies when I was young, and my target was to keep a dog, pet or other animal. Hearing about Gorilla Doctors dedication to conserving wild mountain gorillas inspired me to work with them, and I am lucky
- [Leon Ntahobavukira](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15445): Name: Leon Ntahobavukira Title: House Manager, Rwanda Gorilla Doctor Since: 1986 Favorite Part of the Job: My favorite part is cooking. Favorite Animal/s: I love gorillas very much, because all I have achieved is because of gorillas.
- [Jackson Mwenge](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15410): Title: Senior Administrator, DR Congo Gorilla Doctor Since: 2018 Motivation for Joining the Team: I am full of sympathy and compassion for wildlife and their universal well-being, which is why am proud to be part of the team. Gorilla Doctors rewards my dream with its unique mission, commitment, and sacrifice dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, especially
- [Eddy Kambale Syaluha, DVM, MSc](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15396): Title: Head Veterinarian, DR Congo Gorilla Doctor Since: 2004 Memorable Moment: In July 2010, I participated in the translocation of a 15-year-old silverback led by Dr. Jan Ramer. The young silverback had spent days outside the forest for crop raiding in a busy village market. I had to dart the silverback in a risky environment crowded with
- [Benard Ssebide, DVM, MSc](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15394): Title: Head Veterinarian, Uganda Gorilla Doctor Since: 2007 Motivation for Joining the Team: I always wanted to be a wildlife veterinarian and joining the Gorilla Doctors team was a dream come true and literally the “icing on the cake”. To be part of the team that works to conserve and preserve an endangered species and save it
- [Julius Nziza, DVM, MSc](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15388): Title: Head Veterinarian, Rwanda Gorilla Doctor Since: 2010 Favorite Part of the Job: Clinical interventions and interactive collaboration with our partners. Vision for the Future of Eastern Gorilla Conservation: A mountain gorilla population facing minimum threats and local communities surrounding the protected areas having good livelihoods. Favorite Animal/s (besides gorillas of course): The Ankole longhorn cattle, they are
- [Donna M. Platt, MPA, CFRE](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15392): Title: Chief Development Officer Gorilla Doctor Since: 2018 Favorite Part of the Job: Getting to know donors, hearing about their passion for wildlife and being inspired by their lives and travels. It is most rewarding when I can help make dreams come true by matching philanthropic interests with organizational needs. Also, having the opportunity to work with
- [Tierra Smiley Evans, DVM, PhD](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15385): Title: Chief Veterinary and Scientific Officer Gorilla Doctor Since: 2023 (PhD student in 2011!) Motivation for Joining the Team: Gorilla Doctors is the only organization in the world providing lifesaving veterinary care to an entire great ape population. They also have the longest running and largest biobank of specimens in which to study great ape health. Having
- [Amy Bond, MSc](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15213): Title: Chief Communications Officer Gorilla Doctor Since: 2018 Motivation for Joining the Team: I have been passionate about gorillas since I was young. Of all the organizations contributing to gorilla conservation, Gorilla Doctors has the most immediate and tangible impact that I can see - providing hands-on veterinary care that not only saves the individual
- [Jean-Paul Kabemba Lukusa, MSc, PhD](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15406): Title: Employee Health Program Manager Gorilla Doctor Since: 2003 Favorite Part of the Job: When I am able to do laboratory work. Memorable Moment: We were in the lab processing blood samples during a brucellosis and tuberculosis outbreak. It was rewarding to be in the lab and working together with Dr. Eddy Kambale and Dr. Jacques Iyanya.
- [Methode Bahizi, DVM](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15416): Title: Clinical Diagnostics Manager Gorilla Doctor Since: 2011 Favorite Part of the Job: Ensuring that the teams have the necessary medication and medical supplies for the gorillas’ health, and making sure our back-up pharmacy is well-stocked. But my absolute favorite part is when I am with my colleagues, carrying out a veterinary intervention on a gorilla in
- [Jean Bosco ‘Noel’ Noheri, DVM, MSc, MBA](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15420): Title: Regional Pathologist Gorilla Doctor Since: 2009 Memorable Moment: The time I was offered the opportunity to train in veterinary pathology at the University of California, Davis and Johns Hopkins University. Vision for the Future of Eastern Gorilla Conservation: Should the world respond adequately to climate change and join hands for the protection and preservation of wildlife
- [Adrien Emile Ntwari, DVM, MSc](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15422): Title: Field Veterinarian, Rwanda Gorilla Doctor Since: 2016 Motivation for Joining the Team: Gorilla Doctors offers a unique opportunity to apply veterinary science and wildlife conservation in a challenging yet highly rewarding field. Vision for the Future of Eastern Gorilla Conservation: My greatest hope for eastern gorilla conservation is that it becomes a global exemplar of how
- [Gaspard Nzayisenga, DVM, MSc](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15424): Title: Senior Field Veterinarian, Rwanda Gorilla Doctor Since: 2014 Favorite Part of the Job: Clinical interventions to provide critical life-saving medical care to sick or injured animals and observe them as they recover from their conditions. Vision for the Future of Eastern Gorilla Conservation: I see a dedicated team of a passionate youth working tirelessly to protect
- [Jean Claude Tumushime, DVM, MSc](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15426): Title: Regional Molecular Laboratory Manager Gorilla Doctor Since: 2014 Motivation for Joining the Team: As I approached the completion of my undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine, the Gorilla Doctors visited our university. Learning about their mission deeply inspired me, sparking my interest in conservation medicine and particularly great ape medicine. I was eager to be part of
- [Clementine Usanase](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15428): Title: Data Clerk Gorilla Doctor Since: 2008 Favorite Part of the Job: I like entering data, generating reports, and designing systems. Memorable Moment: When I first started with Gorilla Doctors and I participated in the staff retreat at the Mount Gahinga lodge. Favorite Animal/s (besides gorillas of course): The golden monkey because they are energetic and have social
- [Sylivia Nakimera](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15434): Title: Senior Administrator, Uganda Gorilla Doctor Since: 2010 Motivation for Joining the Team: Working with Gorilla Doctors as an administrator came from the desire to be part of a team where I can apply my skills in a more meaningful way and get exposure to different challenges, helping me develop professionally while being part of a larger
- [Fred Nizeyimana, DVM, MSc](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15436): Title: Senior Field Veterinarian, Uganda Gorilla Doctor Since: 2010 Motivation for Joining the Team: Participating in the conservation of eastern gorillas using veterinary medicine and One Health. Memorable Moment: Witnessing a gorilla birth in the forest. Favorite Animal/s (besides gorillas of course): Chimpanzees. They're intelligent animals. Recent Blog Posts World Gorilla Day Fun with the Gorilla Doctors Team
- [Ricky Okwir Okello, DVM, MSc](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15438): Title: Senior Field Veterinarian, Uganda Gorilla Doctor Since: 2010 Favorite Part of the Job: My favorite part of working with Gorilla Doctors is being able to make a direct, tangible impact on the lives of endangered gorillas. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing an injured or sick gorilla recover and return to its family group, knowing that
- [Linda Lowenstine, DVM, PhD](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15451): Title: Veterinary Pathologist Gorilla Doctor Since: 1986 Favorite Part of the Job: Discovering new diseases and elucidating patterns and impact of known disease so that we can better manage gorilla health (plus interacting with students and colleagues involved in Gorilla Doctors!) Memorable Moment: Visiting the gorillas in person after nearly 20 years of only seeing formalin-fixed tissues,
- [Adrienne Miller, MBA](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15211): Title: Development Operations Manager Gorilla Doctor Since: 2024 Motivation for Joining the Team: Gorilla Doctors’ One Health approach. Memorable Moment: Visiting the Houston Zoo and seeing the gorilla section, which boasts about the work we do with gorillas in the wild and how the zoo supports us. Favorite Animal/s: (besides gorillas of course): Otters. They
- [Eunah Preston](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15453): Title: Marketing & Graphic Design Specialist Gorilla Doctor Since: 2016 Favorite Part of the Job: I love reading all the updates and stories from the veterinarians in the field as well as designing glossy materials showcasing all of the amazing work being done by the whole team. Vision for the Future of Eastern Gorilla Conservation: I envision a future
- [Alexandre Tremeau-Bravard, PhD](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15212): Title: Laboratory Specialist Gorilla Doctor Since: 2023 Motivation for Joining the Team: Saving a species, one gorilla at a time. Favorite Part of the Job: Traveling. Favorite Animal/s: I like birds, I wish I could fly. Select Publications: Decoding the blueprint of receptor binding by filoviruses through large-scale binding assays and machine learning, Cell Host
- [David J. Wolking, MSc](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15214): Title: Global Projects Operations Manager Gorilla Doctor Since: 2025 Motivation for Joining the Team: I had the pleasure of working with the Gorilla Doctors team on the PREDICT project for 11 years and was always impressed and inspired by their dedicated staff, scientists, and commitment to the mission and One Health approach. Most Proud of:
- [Sonia Ghose, PhD](https://gorilladoctors.org/?post_type=gorilla_doctors&p=15449): Title: Regional Science Operations Manager Gorilla Doctor Since: 2025 Motivation for Joining the Team: What drew me to Gorilla Doctors was the organization's unique ability to bridge the gap between veterinary care, research, and applied conservation. The hands-on, individual-patient approach enables far more than treating illness and injury; it creates invaluable opportunities to conduct research that directly informs

## Divi Bars

- [Top Banner](https://gorilladoctors.org/divi_bars/top-banner/): NEW! Treating a Wounded Elephant in Virunga National Park – READ + WATCH NOW