The Gorilla Guardians of Bwindi, Uganda

Introduction

This report covers a Conservation Through Public Health project on GlobalGiving, “The Gorilla Guardians of Bwindi, Uganda #44078.” Our last report was shared in October 2025, indicating that the project had raised $37,007 of our $50,000 funding goal. Thanks to your generosity and that of 603 other donors, we raised an additional $645 this quarter, bringing our total to $37,652 toward our $50,000 fundraising goal. We are now approximately 25% away from reaching our target.

We are excited to share that during this reporting period, we have accomplished the following activities, which align with our initial goals. Strengthening Gorilla Health Monitoring In collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers and the Gorilla Guardians, routine health monitoring continued across all 28 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi and Mgahinga Conservation Area (BMCA). Our team was able to collect a total of 608 faecal samples from the gorilla night nest. These samples were analysed at the CTPH Gorilla Health and Community Conservation Centre (GHCCC) field laboratory to check for parasites and other diseases which gorillas could be sharing with neighbouring people and livestock, with selected samples preserved for future viral testing.

During our routine health monitoring of the gorilla population, we noticed the Binyindo gorilla family frequently feeding in the community gardens near the park boundary. They later crossed into a tea plantation to eat the bark of eucalyptus trees. As a result, we called the Gorilla Guardians to safely herd them back to the forest. This experience highlighted the ongoing need to empower Gorilla Guardians in their efforts to protect gorillas and other wildlife. Rushegura group was seen constructing night nests above the ground because of heavy rains.

Bwindi–Sarambwe Gorilla and Chimpanzee Census

The second sweep of the 2025 Bwindi–Sarambwe Gorilla and Chimpanzee Census was successfully concluded during this reporting period. CTPH Wildlife Health Technicians Annaclet Ampeire, Laurence Muruhura and Veterinary Officer Dr Gloria Aduku actively participated, ensuring that wildlife health expertise was integrated into the census process. The official results will be released by Uganda Wildlife Authority and partners this year, and we look forward to sharing the findings with you.

Gorilla births

This quarter, the Bitukura gorilla family welcomed a delightful newborn, who was seen by our team and cared for by Mother Gold. The identity of the father remains uncertain among the three silverbacks in this group: the dominant silverback Mugisha, the second-in-command silverback Kadogo, and the elder and former dominant silverback Rukumu. Due to his advanced age, Rukumu was seen by our team as no longer able to climb up trees to gather food and currently relies on his family members to drop down some fruits and other food items for him. This gesture highlights the deep family bonds within this vibrant gorilla family.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park welcomed a newborn baby gorilla, born to the adult female Chizanye. This heartwarming addition increased the family size from 10 to 11 members.

The Binyindo gorilla family welcomed a newborn born to adult female Rwanzu. Both the mother and the baby were seen by our team doing fine. This increased the family size from 8 to 9 members!

On behalf of the Gorilla Guardians of Bwindi and the CTPH Team, we extend our deepest appreciation to you for supporting this work. Together, we are protecting an endangered species while strengthening community resilience.

Links:

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