BWINDI, Uganda (AP) — World Gorilla Day is celebrated on September 24, a commemoration initiated in 2017 to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of a Rwanda-based gorilla study center founded by Dian Fossey. Fossey was an acclaimed American primatologist and conservationist, known worldwide for her extensive research on gorillas.
The gorillas that Fossey studied are mountain gorillas, a subspecies of the eastern gorilla. These magnificent creatures primarily inhabit the Virunga Massif, a mountainous region that spans parts of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. In contrast, the western gorilla, the second species, is found in regions across west and central Africa. Unfortunately, both species face significant threats to their survival.
Gorillas are increasingly losing their habitats due to poaching and various other dangers. The International Union for Conservation of Nature categorizes both gorilla species as endangered, with three out of four subspecies being critically endangered. This alarming status underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts.
One fascinating aspect of gorillas is their genetic kinship with humans. Researchers claim that humans share up to 98% of their DNA with gorillas. According to the scientific journal Nature, gorillas are humans’ closest living relatives after chimpanzees and are of substantial importance for understanding human origins and evolution. This close relationship renders gorillas vulnerable to diseases transmitted through close contact with humans, including tourists and researchers. Respiratory illnesses, particularly the influenza virus, are notably fatal among adult gorillas.
Visitors tracking gorillas in the wild are usually advised to maintain a distance of at least 7 meters (or yards) and avoid any physical contact, even if the animals approach. Fossey expressed concerns during her life that gorilla tourism could adversely affect the well-being of these animals by altering their natural behavior. Nevertheless, tourism-based conservation efforts in countries such as Uganda have shown success in safeguarding these great apes over the years.
In their natural habitats, gorillas live in familial groups led by a dominant male known as a silverback, distinguished by a patch of silvery fur on his back. The silverback coexists with younger males, as well as various females, juveniles, and infants in the family. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to 27 gorilla families considered “habituated,” which means they are conditioned to be comfortable around humans. One notable silverback, named Murinzi—meaning "protector" in the local language—has shown remarkable care for his family, as observed by rangers.
To assert their dominance and authority, silverbacks often stand upright, beat their chests, and vocalize, causing younger males to flee, while warning rivals from other families. Mothers also exhibit deep affection for their offspring, demonstrating a remarkable bond that captivates those fortunate enough to witness it. Gorillas have the potential to live over 40 years in the wild if they can evade the multitude of threats they face.
The impressive presence of gorillas draws significant attention from tourists. While being the largest living primates, they can also display gentle and docile behavior. Adult silverbacks can weigh as much as 180 kilograms (396 pounds) and are primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, shoots, and stems of various plants, along with occasional ants and snails.
According to the International Gorilla Conservation Program, habitat loss emerges as the primary threat to gorillas, stemming from deforestation related to agricultural expansion and competition for limited natural resources such as firewood. This ongoing loss of their forested ecosystems jeopardizes their survival, emphasizing the critical need for conservation measures to protect these extraordinary creatures.
