World Gorilla Day, celebrated every year on September 24th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of gorilla conservation and the ongoing threats these magnificent creatures face. This day serves as a worldwide platform to inspire action and celebrate the incredible role gorillas play in our ecosystem and cultural heritage.
World Gorilla Day was established in 2017, in honour of Dr. Dian Fossey’s birthday, a renowned primatologist and conservationist who dedicated her life to studying and protecting Mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Her pioneering work, highlighted in the book and film “Gorillas in the Mist,” opened our eyes to the complex lives of these remarkable animals and the challenges they face due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease.
Gorillas were once depicted as scary beasts that only wanted to scare and attack people. Movies like the original King Kong, struck fear into the eyes of people around the globe. Even when people visited zoos, they were terrified by these massive primates. Looking back now, these terrifying animals attacking people, were most likely Silver-back gorillas putting their lives on the lines to try and protect themselves and their families from the hunters back in the early 1900’s. They are in fact gentle souls and very seldom are they aggressive unless provoked or males competing for females.
The genus Gorilla is divided into two species: the Eastern gorilla and the Western gorilla, which are then divided into and either four subspecies. Western Gorillas are divided into Western lowland gorilla (G. gorilla) and Cross River gorilla (G. g. diehli), while the Easter gorillas are divided into the Eastern lowland gorilla (G. b. graueri) and the Mountain gorilla (G. b. beringei). The Mountain gorillas and Eastern lowland gorillas are among the most endangered, with only a few thousand individuals left in the wild.
All of the gorilla species and subspecies share approximately 98% of their DNA with humans. Getting the opportunity to observe these large primates in their natural habitat, will show how human-like they are; especially with way the family interacts with one another and the care a mother gives her infant.
Unlike most of the other primate species, gorillas are complete herbivores and not omnivores. They have been recorded feeding on termites, but not to the extent that chimpanzees will do so. Gorillas are keystone species in their habitats, playing a vital role in seed dispersal, which contributes to the regeneration of the forest. Their presence helps maintain the balance of ecosystems, ensuring the survival of numerous plant and animal species, their dung serves as fertilizer, enriching the soil and supporting forest health.
A normal day for a family of gorillas will consist of them waking up together. Much like children, it can take some coaxing by the adults to get some of youngsters up. They then move off from the area and start their morning forage for breakfast. After a good feed, the group will rest again, having morning siesta. The youngsters often take this opportunity to play and get up to a bit of mischief. Practicing their climbing and beating their chests, imitating the adults display. After a rest, the family sets off for their lunch. An afternoon break is also in order and most of the adults’ rest again, not all sleeping, but at least laying down. A last afternoon feed then takes place before the family all comes together for some well-deserved grooming. Gorillas build their own individual nests on the ground where they then spend the night.
Gorillas face numerous threats, primarily driven by human activities. Habitat destruction due to logging, agriculture, and infrastructure development is a significant concern. Additionally, poaching for the illegal wildlife trade, fuelled by demand for gorilla body parts and live infants, poses a severe threat. Diseases such as Ebola have also decimated gorilla populations.
Numerous organizations and governments are working tirelessly to protect gorillas and their habitats. Conservation efforts include establishing and maintaining protected areas, employing anti-poaching patrols, community-based conservation initiatives, and wildlife rehabilitation centers. Collaborative projects with local communities are crucial for both gorilla conservation and improving human livelihoods. One such organization is the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
There have been encouraging success stories in gorilla conservation. In Rwanda, for instance, Mountain gorilla populations have steadily increased thanks to strict protection measures, tourism revenue, and community involvement. This is similar to the population in Uganda, found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. In parts of the Congo, populations are rising as well as not only gorillas, but other wildlife are being protected. These successes demonstrate the potential for turning the tide in gorilla conservation efforts when dedicated resources and efforts are channelled toward their protection.
Responsible gorilla tourism has played a significant role in funding conservation efforts. By providing economic incentives to protect gorilla habitats and engage local communities, tourism has become an integral part of the conservation equation. However, careful management is essential to prevent overexposure and minimize the impact on gorilla populations.
Despite the progress, many challenges remain. Climate change threatens gorilla habitats by altering the distribution of their food sources and increasing disease risks. Poaching networks continue to evolve, making enforcement efforts more challenging. Fortunately, security teams have clamped down on the poaching and poachers caught face large fines and prison time. Balancing conservation goals with the needs of local communities and sustainable development remains a delicate task. There are some very special people involved here and for now they seem to be on the right track.
Gorilla conservation is a global responsibility. International collaboration, funding, and public awareness are essential components in ensuring the long-term survival of gorilla populations. Individuals, governments, and organizations worldwide must work together to address the complex issues facing these magnificent creatures.
World Gorilla Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect gorillas and their habitats. These incredible creatures are not just a symbol of the wild but are also essential to the health and biodiversity of their ecosystems. As we celebrate World Gorilla Day, let us commit to supporting ongoing conservation efforts, promoting responsible tourism, and raising awareness about the challenges gorillas face. Together, we can ensure that future generations have the privilege of sharing the planet with these magnificent and gentle giants. Gorillas are a testament to the wonders of the natural world, and their survival is now in our hands.
There a number of destinations in Africa that will allow you
the opportunity to trek mountains and forests in search for different gorilla
species. For the majestic Mountain gorillas one can visit either Rwanda or
Uganda, while you can visit Congo-Brazzaville in search of the Western lowland
gorillas.
