Helping
Saving
Gorillas are beautiful, resilient animals. But poaching and habitat destruction have pushed their populations to the brink of extinction in recent decades.
Our brave founder, Dian Fossey, knew that gorillas need human help to survive the future. Today, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is dedicated to continuing Dian Fossey’s work to protect gorillas while helping and educating the people who live near them.
Dian Fossey:
A Conservation Pioneer
Dian Fossey’s work to study and protect the lives of the wild gorillas in Rwanda touched the hearts of people around the world. Her focus, courage and passion have inspired many conservationists who have followed since. And her legacy lives on today, in the gorilla protection, science, education and people programs of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
What We Do
Daily
Protection
Scientific
Research
Training
Conservationists
Helping
Communities
Fossey
Fund News
Two Weeks in the Forest: Congolese Students Join Us in Nkuba
Earlier this year, 10 Congolese university students joined us at our base in Nkuba to get first-hand experience in the …
New Study Suggests There May be More Grauer’s Gorillas Than Previously Estimated
A study released this week updates the estimated number of Grauer’s gorillas remaining on the planet. The study, led by …
Follow Our Journey
Just enjoying that great view! 😎⠀
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📸: J.P. Samedi Mucyo
Who thinks swinging on vines should be the next olympic sport? 😂🏅
📸: Cedric Ujeneza
You walk around the corner and this is what you see… what do you do? 😂⠀
📸: Didier Abavandimwe
Cantsbee is a legendary silverback. He was born in 1978 and received his name because Dian had presumed his mother, Puck, was actually a male gorilla. Cantsbee passed away when he was 38 years old, making him the longest studied male mountain gorilla from birth to death. He led the largest group of gorillas ever observed, with 65 individuals in 2006. Cantsbee will forever be remembered by the Fossey Fund as a great protector, father, leader and teacher of his family.
Peekaboo!!! 😱😲😎⠀
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📸: Thadee Muhire
Huge shoutout 😎to @wallstreetbets 👏👏 You all made the 12 best things that have happened in 2021 so far when you all adopted our gorillas! Thank you…. You’ve made a huge impact for 🦍🦍🦍 (link in bio)
Sometimes a mid-morning rest is all you need! Here is Ntamabara’s group relaxing near Bisoke lake. 😎
📸: Jean Paul Hirwa
WHAT….. The weekend is over? 😩⠀
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📸: J.P. Samedi Mucyo
Today is #worldrangerday and we want to send a HUGE shout out to all the rangers across the globe for their incredible work to protect wildlife and wild places. Their steadfast dedication in the face of incredible challenges defines what it means to be a hero. And very special THANKS to our award winning trackers who are in the field 365 days a year protecting individual gorillas and their families. They are the front line in the fight for gorilla conservation and we thank you for your daily treks up the mountain, braving the rain and cold, to ensure that the gorillas are well protected.
📸: Jordi Galbany
Today is Rugira’s infant’s 1st birthday! Happy Birthday little one! ☺️🎉⠀
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📸: Didier Abavandimwe
Tomorrow is #worldrangerday and throughout this pandemic their commitment to gorilla conservation has been unwavering. Yours can be too! Make a gift today and support our trackers who face the threats of increased poaching and the stresses of isolation every day as they take every precaution to keep these gentle giants safe.
📸: Cedric Ujeneza
THAT HAIR 😂⠀
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📸: Jean de Dieu Tuyizere
Itorero is one of the blackbacks in Musilikale's group. He is still young (he turned 10 on July 7th!) and is loved by everyone! He has a special attachment to the infants, especially Rugira’s 1 year old infant. Itorero has a special bond with the dominant silverback Musilikale and this alliance gives him a special status in the group!
📸: Didier Abavandimwe
Did you know that our trackers are considered essential workers? Without their direct protection mountain gorillas would have likely gone extinct as Dian originally predicted.
You can honor them on #worldrangerday this Saturday by making a gift in honor of their unwavering commitment to save gorillas.
📸: Thadee Muhire
