Gorilla gang
Journey into the rugged mountains of southwestern Uganda to encounter some of our closest relatives in their natural habitat. This legendary forest provides the perfect backdrop to observe a distinguished family of gorillas as they go about their daily routines. From playful babies to majestic silverbacks, each member of the troop reveals their unique personality, leaving us in awe of their captivating presence
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Species: Gorilla beringei beringei
Status: Endangered (2024)
Fun fact: gorilla teeth stain black from the sap in the food that they consume, which are full with tannins.
Dreams do come true​
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Gorillas are what drew me to Uganda in the first place, with years of dreaming leading me to this very moment. The morning started with wild anticipation and a wee bit of nervousness. What if we don't find them? What if the weather's bad? Either way, we were charging forward in search of this iconic species. Upon arrival to the conservation base, we were greeted by a local woman's group of traditional dancers. Swaying their bodies to the beating of drums, we were captivated by their enchanting singing and display of life. These songs were an ode to the gorillas and a form of recognition for the importance that they hold in this world. With gratitude in our hearts, we then ventured off in search of the mountain troop, making our way through the country's fabled forest.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
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Located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is a crucial habitat for the endangered mountain gorilla. Its particular name comes from the dense vegetation rendering navigation extremely difficult and includes bamboo, herbs, shrubs, and over 200 tree species. Local folklore also speaks of a rather dark tale involving spirits and sacrifice, where life is traded for safe passage. Today, we know that Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world's population of mountain gorillas and, as of the latest surveys, there are over 400 mountain gorillas in this region, living in family groups of up to 20 individuals. The dense and diverse forest, characterized by steep ridges and valleys, provides a rich habitat for gorillas.
After meandering between tea plantations and old growth forest, we were suddenly told to lower our voices, take our packs off and wait. Moments later, we heard rustling in the bushes and, all of a sudden, it appeared: a beautiful silverback, peacefully making its way between the humans. Having to pinch ourselves, we remembered that this was really happening and it wasn't long before the rest of the troop were all within eyesight. Mothers, juveniles, and young infants spread out around us, like a family taking a leisurely walk on a calm sunny morning. We were quickly immersed in their world, observing feeding rituals, social interactions, and playtime.
Captivated by their human-like traits, there was no denying the similarities between our two species; from a mother cradling her newborn to the fingerprints on their digits, gorillas echo our notion of humanity. Young ones rolling around in the grass while more mature individuals keep an eye on the gang, masterfully dissecting twigs and sprigs to fill their hanging bellies. It is truly a gift to stand in the presence of these Great Apes, locking eyes and connecting with our genetic neighbours.
Conservation
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Mountain gorillas have long been targeted by humans for poaching, resource competition, and habitat conflict. Historically, many gorillas were simply killed while their young were often captured and sent to foreign countries to be put on display in zoos and circuses. Strict regulations are now in place to protect the forest and its inhabitants, including anti-poaching patrols and controlled tourism.
Along with these regulations, revenue from these tourism activities supports conservation efforts and provides funding for local community projects, ensuring health, education, and sustainable agriculture programs. The funds also support ongoing research on gorilla health, behaviour, and genetics that helps inform conservation strategies, while regular monitoring of gorilla groups ensures their health and safety, and helps track population dynamics.
Conservation efforts in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest have made significant strides in protecting mountain gorillas and their habitat. The success of these initiatives relies on a combination of tourism, community involvement, research, and robust law enforcement. Continued efforts and adaptive strategies are necessary to ensure the long-term survival of these magnificent creatures and address ongoing challenges.
For more information about mountain gorillas in Uganda, visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Find out how the Uganda Wildlife Authority is conserving and sustaining the country's wildlife