Every September 24, the world pauses to celebrate World Gorilla Day, a day dedicated to honoring these remarkable great apes and renewing our commitment to their survival. Established in 2017 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dian Fossey’s pioneering Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda, the day serves as a global reminder that the future of gorillas, and the forests they call home, is tied to our choices and actions.
Why September 24 Matters
The choice of September 24 is symbolic. It marks the beginning of modern gorilla conservation, rooted in Dian Fossey’s groundbreaking research and relentless advocacy. Her legacy continues today, inspiring countless conservationists, rangers, and community members who dedicate their lives to protecting gorillas.
This year’s theme highlights urgent challenges, including poaching snares, habitat destruction, and climate change. With snares on the rise in several gorilla ranges, conservation groups are calling for stronger forest patrols, better technology, and deeper community partnerships.
Getting to Know Gorillas
- Mountain gorillas (~1,000+) are found in the misty forests of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
- Eastern lowland gorillas (~5,000) inhabit the Congo Basin, the largest of their range but also among the most threatened.
- Western lowland gorillas (~90,000), widespread in Central and West Africa, but heavily impacted by poaching and disease.
- Cross River gorillas, the rarest of all, with fewer than 300 individuals surviving in fragmented forests along the Nigeria–Cameroon border.
Despite decades of challenges, the mountain gorilla offers a beacon of hope. From fewer than 250 individuals in the 1980s, their numbers have slowly rebounded thanks to conservation efforts, eco-tourism revenue, and community involvement.
The Challenges They Face
Gorillas’ biggest threats mirror the pressures humans put on nature:
- Habitat loss from logging, farming, and mining.
- Poaching and snares not only kill gorillas but also injure them severely.
- Diseases from respiratory infections to Ebola are easily transmitted because of our genetic closeness.
- Climate change, which alters the forests gorillas depend on.
- Human–wildlife conflict, as shrinking ranges bring gorillas into contact with villages.
Conservation in Action
Conservation isn’t just about protecting gorillas; it’s about empowering people. In Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC, eco-tourism has turned gorillas into ambassadors of economic growth. Programs like Rwanda’s Kwita Izina, the annual baby gorilla naming ceremony, raise awareness while celebrating conservation success.
Technology is also playing a growing role, as AI-driven camera traps and satellite monitoring help rangers track gorillas and detect illegal activity. Cross-border collaborations, such as the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), ensure that protection extends across national boundaries.
Spotlight on Nigeria and Cameroon
For Nigeria and Cameroon, the conservation story is especially urgent. The Cross River gorilla is Africa’s most endangered gorilla subspecies. Elusive and rarely seen, these gorillas are monitored mainly through camera traps and nest surveys. Their forests are threatened by the expansion of farming and illegal hunting.
Encouragingly, community-led initiatives, such as the Mbe Mountains Community Wildlife Sanctuary in Nigeria, are making a difference. Local rangers, often drawn from nearby villages, are being trained and equipped to patrol forests, remove snares, and collaborate with communities on sustainable land use practices.
For Nigerians, this year’s World Gorilla Day is a call to action: support conservation groups, join awareness programs in schools, advocate for stronger forest protection policies, or simply share the story of these incredible apes.
Why World Gorilla Day Matters in 2025
At its heart, World Gorilla Day is about connection. Protecting gorillas safeguards biodiversity, strengthens forest ecosystems, and supports livelihoods through tourism and conservation jobs. It also directly ties into global goals, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on life on land, climate action, and partnerships.
Gorillas symbolize resilience, but they also remind us of responsibility. Their survival depends on the choices humanity makes in the next decade.
How You Can Celebrate and Contribute
- Support NGOs such as the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, IGCP, or Rainforest Trust.
- Take action locally by organizing a school project, art contest, or fundraiser to support conservation.
- Promote eco-tourism that benefits both wildlife and communities.
A Personal Call to Action
World Gorilla Day 2025 is more than a commemoration; it’s a promise. A promise that the sight of a gorilla mother cradling her infant, or the call of a silverback echoing through the forest, will not vanish into memory. By learning, sharing, donating, or simply raising your voice, you help ensure these gentle giants continue their journey alongside us.
