By Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka | Founder and CEO
As we reflect on our journey this quarter, we are excited to share the inspiring progress of Conservation Through Public Health’s (CTPH) project, “The Gorilla Guardians of Bwindi, Uganda #44078.” Since our last report in February 2025, the project has continued to be made possible by incredible generosity from our global community, with a total of 563 donations amounting to $36,346.51. These contributions go beyond mere figures; they symbolize a shared dedication to protecting one of the planet's most magnificent and endangered species, the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which we have collectively pledged to safeguard. We are so grateful to you for your support and commitment to protecting Mountain Gorillas and improving the health and wellbeing of communities they share a habitat with.
Celebrating New Life: Gorilla Births!
This quarter, we are celebrating new life in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; two baby mountain gorillas were born! Adult Female Kwitonda from the Nkuringo family and Bizulu of the Busingye family welcomed infants, bringing their families to 16 and 15 members respectively. These births are more than joyful moments; they are powerful symbols of resilience, survival, and the profound impact of collaborative conservation. Each new gorilla born is a testament to the success of our tireless efforts and a beacon of hope for the species’ future.
A Comprehensive Gorilla and Chimpanzee Census: Monitoring Our Progress
Alongside the joy of new births, we are honoured to be participating in the 2025 Mountain Gorilla Census and, for the first time, also a chimpanzee Census, across the Bwindi-Sarambwe ecosystem. Launched in May 2025, this census will help us understand how our efforts are shaping the future of the mountain gorilla and chimpanzee populations, supporting and informing management of the species and environment.
Through strategic collaboration with Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC), International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP), Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation (ITFC), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN), Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) Uganda, Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project/Gorilla Doctors, and World Wildlife Fund Uganda, CTPH trained 12 dedicated field teams (70 people) in specialised techniques ranging from SMART data collection to fecal sample handling for DNA and collecting gorilla fecal samples for disease analysis. These efforts ensure that every nest, every footprint, every sign in the forest tells the story of the gorillas’ health and movements.
“We are excited to participate in the 6th gorilla census at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and witness the first chimpanzee census in this forest. CTPH staff are training the census teams and counting gorillas in the forest with UWA rangers.” Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Founder and CEO, CTPH.
To date, our teams have collected over 70 fresh faecal samples, each one a vital data point in understanding gorilla demographics and disease risks.
Spotlight on Conservation: Featured on CNN's Call to Earth
In an exciting milestone achieved this quarter, CTPH’s efforts were featured on CNN’s global platform, Call to Earth. This prestigious initiative focuses on environmental stewardship and showcases innovative efforts to protect the natural world. The documentary follows the inspiring journey of our Founder and CEO, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, who passionately explains our unique One Health approach, protecting people, wildlife, and livestock together. Her voice is a rallying cry for a more compassionate, connected, and sustainable world. This film is a must-watch for anyone invested in conservation and change. [Watch the documentary here].
Mountain gorillas are the only gorilla subspecies whose numbers are on the rise, marking significant success in conservation efforts. Their population grew from 400 individuals in 2011 to 459 in 2018 in Bwindi. We eagerly anticipate the upcoming results from the ongoing census, which will play a vital role in shaping the future for these magnificent beings.
Thanks to your continued support, the Gorilla Guardians of Bwindi who are protecting the Gorillas and supporting their local communities continue to be a global success story. You are not just donors, you are champions of nature, advocates for balance, and allies in this noble fight for wildlife and well-being.
Together, through community health and compassionate action, we are giving mountain gorillas a future worth fighting for.
Thank you for walking this journey with us.
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