Gorilla Doctors

06/22/2026

Dr. Tierra, our Chief Veterinary and Scientific Officer, was featured in a recent article on Mongabay.com examining the history of Ebola disease and its threat to eastern gorillas.

As human cases continue to climb in the latest outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, concern is growing for the gorilla population, which have been devastated by the virus during previous outbreaks. On May 15, the Congolese Health Ministry announced a new outbre...

06/19/2026

On June 16, our field veterinary team in Rwanda checked on Segasira group in Volcanoes National Park. Sub-adult female Uhiriwe was observed with slight browning of her hair coat, likely attributed to gastrointestinal parasites. Uhiriwe will be closely monitored but so far her overall activities were not affected. The group was otherwise in good visual health.

06/18/2026

Yesterday you met bald-headed silverback Kadogo from Munyaga group in Virunga National Park, DR Congo. Today, meet silverback Isheja “Big Ben”, the bald-headed member of Sabyinyo group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

Two days ago, Dr. Adrien entered Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda to check on the 17 mountain gorillas of Sabyinyo group. Apart from a few minor issues likely caused by gastrointestinal parasites, the rest of the group was in good visual health. It was great to see the group healthy because they had been wandering out of range and not seen for the last 5 weeks!

06/17/2026

On June 11, Dr. Fabrice hiked 1.5 hours into Virunga National Park, DR Congo to observe the 14 mountain gorillas of Munyaga group. During the observation period, Dr. Fabrice noted that all members of the group (comprised of 4 silverbacks, 1 blackjack, 3 adult females, 3 juveniles, and 3 babies) were in good visual health, displaying normal activity levels and good appetites.

Pictured: Silverback Kadogo, easily identifiable in the group due to his bald head!

06/16/2026

Dr. Adrien checked on silverback Urwibutso of Titus group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda this past Friday. He noted a healing cut under his left foot but otherwise was in good visual health!

06/12/2026

The young daughter of one of our field veterinarians drew this for her Dad - it is actually one of several she did, all of which are now proudly displayed throughout their house. 🤩 Is she a future gorilla doctor or a future graphic designer for Gorilla Doctors?! Only time will tell...wishing everyone a nice weekend.

06/11/2026

This past Tuesday, one of our field veterinarians in Rwanda visited the mountain gorillas of Kwitonda group for a routine health check. They had the chance to observe all 21 members of the group and noted that all of them were in good visual health. Pictured (L-R): adult females Ireme and Sulubika with infant Gisubizo

06/10/2026

When DR Congo confirmed the Ebola disease outbreak on May 15, the entire Gorilla Doctors team pivoted to protecting eastern gorillas in the wild through prevention - minimizing the risk of Ebola disease entering gorilla parks, and preparedness - being ready if Ebola disease does breach park boundaries and threatens the health of gorillas.

Our Executive Director, Dr. Sonya, was in the region at the time and has published an update on our activities.

Read her full account here: gorilladoctors.org/keeping-gorillas-healthy-during-an-ebola-outbreak

06/09/2026

Dr. Fred visited Rushegura group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda and found the 17 group members feeding both on the ground and in the trees. During the time of the health check visit, the group was relaxed and was in good visual health. Pictured: dominant silverback Kabukojo

06/08/2026

A couple weeks ago, Dr. Fred entered Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda to check the health of the 7 mountain gorillas in Katwe group. Comprising of 2 silverbacks, 1 blackback, 2 adult females, and 2 juveniles, Dr. Fred observed that all members of the group were in good visual health.