Gorilla Conservation


For many people, the opportunity to volunteer with Mountain Gorillas is an unforgettable experience. Seeing these incredible apes in the wild will simply take your breath away: with their social nature, impressive stature and notable intelligence, it is no wonder that this species is so highly revered.

Sadly, it is estimated that fewer than 900 Mountain Gorillas remain, placing them on the IUCN's Red List. Although numbers have increased in recent years, they still face major threats due to poaching, deforestation, and the appalling bushmeat trade. It is for these reasons that gorilla conservation must continue to be a key focus for wildlife enthusiasts worldwide.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where The Great Projects gorilla trekking tours take place, is home to around half of the world's population of Mountain Gorillas (the other half being located in neighbouring Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.) With that in mind, the chance of seeing these most majestic of animals is higher here than anywhere else on earth. To observe this incredible animal is a once in a lifetime thrill, and an opportunity that should not be missed by either conservationists or lovers of the great outdoors.

Responsible gorilla tours are the best way to do this as you will get to observe the Great Apes in their natural environment, without interfering with their routines and lifestyles. If you would like to get involved in a gorilla conservation project, why not consider this for your next trip abroad and let us help you plan an amazing gorilla trekking experience in Uganda!

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Gorillas At A Glance

ENDANGERED STATUS
Endangered
NUMBER REMAINING IN THE WILD
100,000
ENDEMIC REGION
Africa

How Endangered Are Gorillas

Gorillas are now classed as endangered and this is a problem that is not looking as if it will go away anytime soon. The Mountain gorilla is the most endangered of the gorilla species, and its numbers are fewer than 900. This is the species of gorilla you would be helping should you volunteer on the Great Gorilla Project, and thanks to conservation efforts this ape has already seen its numbers rise from 620 in 1989. This may not seem like a huge rise, but in the world of the gorilla this is an incredible difference! You will get to experience gorilla trekking in Uganda on this project, and the work you will be doing with the local community will go a long way to aiding gorilla conservation efforts!

Threats Gorillas Are Facing

Gorillas live in one of the most unstable and volatile regions of the world and this has a huge impact on them. The problems they face include:

  • Habitat Loss – people live in the same area as gorillas and have therefore begun to encroach on the gorilla’s habitat in order to create farm and pastoral land.
  • Hunting – even in this day and age, gorillas are still hunted for meat and trophies.
  • Disease – gorillas are susceptible to human ailments and as they come into contact with humans more frequently they are suffering. The Ebola virus, for instance, wiped out a large chunk of the gorilla population.
Fast Facts
  • There are two species of gorilla – eastern and western. Each of these is divided into two subspecies - eastern lowland and eastern mountain, and western lowland and cross river (western). The two species live in central Africa, separated by a vast swathe of rainforest.
  • Each gorilla builds its own nest or sleeping platform, however, a nest is not used for more than one night.
  • Gorillas have a unique nose print, similar to a fingerprint for humans!
Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987