By Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka | Founder and CEO
This report provides an update on Conservation Through Public Health's (CTPH) project (#52950) on GlobalGiving, titled “Urgent Action to Curb COVID Among People and Gorillas.” The previous report was published in July 2025. At that time, the project received 223 donations totalling to $30,699.76 of our $35,000 fundraising goal. To date, the campaign has received 232 donations amounting to $30,783.38 out of our $35,000 fundraising goal.
We are excited to share some significant updates from the frontlines of mountain gorilla conservation. Your unwavering support continues to play a crucial role in our mission, and this quarter has shown the positive impact we are making together through the following activity updates.
Gorilla Health Monitoring: A Commitment to Well-being
Our dedication to the health of mountain gorillas remains steadfast. This quarter, we continued our vital collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) through our Gorilla Health Monitoring Program. Our dedicated teams collected a total of 604 faecal samples from all 28 habituated mountain gorilla families in the Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla Conservation Area (BMCA). These samples were analysed at the CTPH Gorilla Health and Community Conservation Centre (GHCCC) field laboratory, enabling us to screen for bacterial and protozoal infections. A portion of these samples has been stored for future viral testing. This robust monitoring system is essential for the early detection and rapid response to diseases that could threaten the lives of these majestic beings.
Gorilla and Chimpanzee Census Update: Counting Every Life
On September 25th, together with other partners, we kicked off the second sweep of the 2025 Bwindi-Sarambwe mountain gorilla Census, an extensive effort aimed at providing precise population estimates for mountain gorillas in the Bwindi-Sarambwe landscape. This critical census also includes detailed observations of group composition and distribution. Regular monitoring is key to tracking population trends and informing our conservation strategies, ensuring that our collective efforts yield measurable and lasting impacts. We will keep you updated when the census results are out.
Joyful News: New Arrivals in the Gorilla Families
We are overjoyed to report some wonderful news about the mountain gorilla population this quarter! On September 11, 2025, the Nyakagezi gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park proudly welcomed a new baby, born to the adult female Tulambule. With this newest addition, the family size has grown from nine to ten members, underscoring the effectiveness of our conservation initiatives and our dedicated team.
Another baby was born in the Bitukura gorilla family in the eastern sector of Bwindi. The protective mother, Gold, was seen caring for her newborn, ensuring its safety from the heavy morning rains. This new addition has increased the family size from 13 to 14 members, further demonstrating the resilience and thriving spirit of these incredible animals.
The successes we have shared in this update are a direct result of your continued support and commitment to conservation. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of mountain gorillas and their habitats. Thank you for standing with us in this vital journey.
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