Gorilla Doctors

On November 11, Dr. Gaspard visited the 20 mountain gorillas of Pablo group for a routine health check in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. He observed some brownish hair discoloration on adult females Teta and Inyange as well as juvenile Uwacu. However, he also notes that Inyange's hair has made a significant recovery since receiving a deworming treatment in August!

Pictured: Teta and her day-old baby!

3 days ago | [YT] | 92

Gorilla Doctors

Earlier this week, Dr. Adrien checked on silverback Ishavu of Kureba group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda following reports of multiple wounds affecting his movement. During the health check, Dr. Adrien observed a deep laceration on Ishavu's back as well as smaller wounds on Ishavu's left foot (likely the cause of his limp). Fortunately, Ishavu remained active and with good appetite.

Teams will continue to closely monitor Ishavu in case veterinary intervention is needed.

4 days ago | [YT] | 80

Gorilla Doctors

For over 2 years, silverback Isano of Agashya group in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park has been closely monitored for skin lesions around his upper body. In November 2023, he was treated under anesthesia – however, the lesions persisted. While the specific cause is still unknown, Isano has appeared to be in good health aside from the lesions.

A recent field note indicated that the lesions appeared to be healing, confirmed by Gorilla Doctors veterinary intern Emmanuel during a health check on October 28. This past Monday, Dr. Gaspard visited Agashya group to follow-up with Isano.

He reports that the lesions on Isano are healing well! Routine monitoring will continue.

Photo 1: Silverback Isano in November 2023
Photo 2: Silverback Isano in November 2025

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4 days ago | [YT] | 84

Gorilla Doctors

As summer came to an end, a call came in from our partners at Virunga National Park: several of the park’s lions needed new GPS tracking collars. Once a male named Jiku was located, our own Dr. Fabrice lent his veterinary expertise and joined Virunga National Park’s lion monitoring manager Mustafa in the field.

With precision and care, Dr. Fabrice darted Jiku with a sedative so that the lion could be safely fitted with a new tracking collar. Dr. Fabrice also collected vital blood samples to help assess his health before safely reversing the anesthesia. Each collar tells the story of how these iconic predators move, survive, and shape the ecosystem they call home.

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1 week ago | [YT] | 44

Gorilla Doctors

#ThrowbackThursday: In February 2016, an orphaned Grauer’s gorilla named Lulingu was confiscated from poachers by the Congolese wildlife authority (ICCN). A few months later, Lulingu was transferred to ‪@gracegorillas‬ (Gorilla Rehabilitation & Conservation Education Center), the world’s only rehabilitation center for Grauer’s gorillas. Gorilla Doctors’ DRC Head Veterinarian Dr. Eddy monitored Lulingu’s health during the transfer, as our veterinary team does for every orphan transport to GRACE.

In October 2024, now-adult Lulingu was part of a group of GRACE Grauer’s gorillas selected for an incredible joint endeavor by GRACE, Gorilla Doctors, ‪@VirungaNationalPark‬, Re:wild, and ICCN (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature) to release them back to the wild. Lulingu was transported to Mt. Tshiaberimu sector of Virunga National Park via helicopter accompanied by a Gorilla Doctor — just like she was for her original transport to GRACE almost a decade before.

Lulingu has since integrated with Kipura group, led by dominant silverback Mwasa. As of the group's most recent health check conducted by Dr. Cedric on October 31, Lulingu and the other 5 Grauer’s gorilla in the group appear to be in good health!

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1 week ago | [YT] | 88

Gorilla Doctors

On November 3, Dr. Cedric visited Katsabara group in Mt. Tshiaberimu sector of Virunga National Park, DR Congo. He had the chance to observe all 5 members of the group during the health check and while they appeared to be in good health, he noted that silverback Katsabara (pictured) seemed to be taking a longer rest than usual before resuming normal eating activities. He will be closely monitored.

1 week ago | [YT] | 82

Gorilla Doctors

Meanwhile in DR Congo: Dr. Cedric hiked over an hour into the Mt. Tshiabirimu sector of Virunga National Park to check on the 5 Grauer's gorillas of Katsabara group. During the health check visit, Dr. Cedric observed all members of the group, noting that Ndekesiri's young baby was developing well and appeared to be in good health, The rest of the group members also appeared to be healthy!

Pictured: (1) Silverback Katsabara, (2) Ndekesiri and her baby

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2 weeks ago | [YT] | 94

Gorilla Doctors

Yesterday, Drs. Fred and Nelson visited the mountain gorillas of Busingye group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda for a routine health check. Among the 17 members of the group, our veterinarians observed that adult females Kashayu and Bukana's physical appearance and activity levels have improved since their last health check.

A couple other members of the group appear to have some hair loss on their shoulders. Teams will continue to closely monitor the group in case any veterinary intervention is needed.

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2 weeks ago | [YT] | 66

Gorilla Doctors

It seems like we're constantly posting baby gorillas...and we're not mad about it!

Dr. Adrien recently conducted a routine health check on Izuba group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda and had the chance to observe all 11 mountain gorillas. While adult female Zirakamwa had some hair discoloration and her infant was observed with minor skin lesions, the other members appear to be in good health. Our veterinary team in Rwanda will continue to closely monitoring the health of Zirakamwa, her baby, and the rest of the group.

Pictured: Inkunga with her newborn

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 75

Gorilla Doctors

When you're a baby mountain gorilla, every day is good hair day!
Last week, Dr. Gaspard photographed Urukerereza's infant during a routine health check on Igisha group. He reports that the overall health of the group appears good.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 97