Gorilla Doctors

Kanywani group calm and busy feeding when Dr. Fred checked on them last week in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. The group comprises of 6 mountain gorillas, including 1 silverback, 4 adult females, and 1 female infant born to Kamushongi. All members of Kanywani group, including its tiniest member, were in good visual health.

Since September 24, we have been closely monitoring a respiratory illness outbreak in Isimbi group, a family of 25 mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Dr. Adrien checked on the group on October 1 and found that only four gorillas were still exhibiting signs of illness, which did not affect their activity levels. Fortunately, none of the gorillas during this outbreak required supportive treatment. We will continue close monitoring of the group until the outbreak is fully resolved.

Preliminary results from our Michael Cranfield Regional One Health Laboratory identified both adenovirus and streptococcus bacteria were involved in this outbreak. Dr. Jean Claude Tumushime, our Regional Molecular Laboratory Manager, is currently studying historic trends in respiratory illness outbreaks in mountain gorillas as part of his PhD research to help us understand how different pathogens impact gorilla health, and how this understanding can inform and refine our veterinary care in future outbreaks.

Dr. Fred visited the mountain gorillas of Mukiza group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda on September 27. For the duration of the health check visit, all 21 gorillas were calm while they rested and fed on plants in the area. The group — comprising of 1 silverback, 8 adult females, 1 blackjack, 1 subadult female, 3 juveniles, and 7 infants — was in good visual health.

Pictured: 1) adult female Nyakabara, 2) infants playing together, 3) infant feeding in a tree

What does it take to solve a health mystery in a wild gorilla?

It starts in the forest. During routine health monitoring, our veterinarians look for subtle changes in breathing, feeding, movement, body condition, and behavior that may signal illness or injury. But what we can see only tells part of the story.

Field samples and laboratory testing help our field veterinarians provide targeted treatment for the ill or injured gorilla to improve its health and ensure its survival.

Learn more: gorilladoctors.org/solving-health-mysteries

Earlier this month, Dr. Ricky and project veterinarian Dr. John responded to reports from trackers that two members of Nyakagezi group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — subadult female Ndola and her mother, Nshuti — were showing signs of respiratory infection.

During their health monitoring visit, the Gorilla Doctors veterinarians closely assessed the group for signs of illness, observing seven gorillas occasionally coughing. Fortunately, symptoms remained mild, and all members of the group continued to show normal behavior and energy levels.

These monitoring visits are an important part of the veterinary care provided by our team. By regularly observing gorillas in their natural environment, our veterinarians can assess changes in their health, track how symptoms progress within a group, and determine whether medical intervention is needed.

For now, Nyakagezi group will continue to be closely monitored, allowing our veterinary team to respond quickly if symptoms worsen or treatment becomes necessary.

What an incredible evening at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's Untamed event on September 18th! We were honored to celebrate a partnership that runs deep — between Gorilla Doctors and the Columbus Zoo, built on decades of support and a shared commitment to protecting endangered gorillas in the wild.

The highlight of the night? Watching Dr. Jan Ramer receive the Columbus Zoo Commitment to Conservation Award — a truly well-deserved honor recognizing her many years of service and dedication to both animals and people. Congratulations, Dr. Jan! And her impact continues. She leads as Chair of our Board of Directors, helping to steward our growth and future directions.

We were also thrilled to have our Executive Director, Dr. Sonya, on hand to celebrate this milestone and honor our loyal relationship with the Zoo and several other generous supporters.

Thank you, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, for your unwavering support of gorilla conservation — and thank you, Dr. Jan, for a legacy that will keep inspiring us all. 🦍✨

Photos:
Dr. Jan Ramer receives the Commitment to Conservation Award; Photo courtesy of Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Drs. Jan and Sonya at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Untamed Event
Dr. Jan with mountain gorillas for the first time in 1985

As winds down, here's something else worth honoring: conservation works when we all work together 🦍

Mountain gorillas were once feared to be headed for extinction. Thanks to decades of commitment, collaboration, and government leadership, their numbers have grown to over 1,000 in the wild.

Gorilla Doctors is proud to be part of that story. Whether we're removing a snare, treating an illness in the field, or conducting diagnostic analysis in the lab, every gorilla life saved depends on a team of partners.

To everyone who showed up for gorillas today and every day, thank you. Together, we're building a future where gorillas thrive 💚