As we all know, mountain gorilla tourism brings much needed revenue to Virunga for the conservation effort - but it also brings the threat of disease. Humans and gorillas share so much DNA, that we can easily pass on our viruses and diseases to these animals that we are struggling to protect.

When a tourist, a ranger or anyone is visiting a family of gorillas, they should stay at least 7 meters away from the animals. But sometimes the gorillas themselves, out of sheer mischief or curiosity, come closer.
5 Responses to “How A Little Cover Up Goes A Long Way to Helping Our Mountain Gorillas”
Brilliant Eddy. Oh please that it happens elsewhere too…..
Dear Linda unfortunately, this hasn’t been done anywhere else. Hopefully, Rangers in Uganda and Rwanda will follow suit. Thanks
I hope so Eddy! It would go a long way in preventing an outbreak of respiratory illness like last year. A simple thing but will reduce the risk greatly of passing on a virus to the gorillas. I am thrilled to see this put into effect. As a nurse I see how quickly viruses can spread once they get started. The gorillas have no immunities and they need this added protection for their well being. Kudos to you all and I hope the other Rangers in Uganda and Rwanda will do the same for their gorillas.
Dear Sir:
I, Kalpita Chakrabortty working in Human resource sector. Ready to send support in terms of lectures, awareness building, advocacy etc. Please let me how can I offer. I am in Kampala, Uganda at present.
Reegards,
Kalpita Chakrabortty
That’s a good Job - but what is done either to protect Gorillas from poaching or less human interferences. Issue of Nyiragongo any news about hiking the active volcano