Gorilla Doctors
@gorilladoctors.bsky.social
The only organization in the world dedicated to conserving wild mountain + Grauer's gorillas through veterinary medicine and a One Health approach. Established in 1986.
Based in: Rwanda, Uganda, DR Congo, USA
Based in: Rwanda, Uganda, DR Congo, USA
Adult female Nyabwezinga was reported as having a swollen arm so Dr. Fred conducted a vet assessment. He saw her feeding and moving with some slight swelling around the elbow but otherwise bright and alert.
Close monitoring by trackers is ongoing with a follow-up vet assessment scheduled.
Close monitoring by trackers is ongoing with a follow-up vet assessment scheduled.
January 30, 2026 at 8:25 PM
Adult female Nyabwezinga was reported as having a swollen arm so Dr. Fred conducted a vet assessment. He saw her feeding and moving with some slight swelling around the elbow but otherwise bright and alert.
Close monitoring by trackers is ongoing with a follow-up vet assessment scheduled.
Close monitoring by trackers is ongoing with a follow-up vet assessment scheduled.
1 week ago we shared reports that Mugeni, an adult female mountain gorilla in Agashya group wasn't using her right back leg. Dr. Gaspard conducted a follow-up monitoring visit a week later to see if there was any signs of improvement to her condition.
January 28, 2026 at 5:42 PM
1 week ago we shared reports that Mugeni, an adult female mountain gorilla in Agashya group wasn't using her right back leg. Dr. Gaspard conducted a follow-up monitoring visit a week later to see if there was any signs of improvement to her condition.
On January 23, Dr. Adrien visited Kwisanga group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, to conduct a routine health check. The 14 mountain gorillas in the group were observed feeding and resting together throughout the two-hour observation period, and all appeared to be in good health.
January 27, 2026 at 6:16 PM
On January 23, Dr. Adrien visited Kwisanga group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, to conduct a routine health check. The 14 mountain gorillas in the group were observed feeding and resting together throughout the two-hour observation period, and all appeared to be in good health.
NEW BLOG POST: Respiratory Illness Outbreak in Kwitonda Group
Written by Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga, senior field veterinarian, Rwanda
READ FULL STORY: www.gorilladoctors.org/respiratory-illness-outbreak-in-kwitonda-group-multiple-mountain-gorillas-treated/
Written by Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga, senior field veterinarian, Rwanda
READ FULL STORY: www.gorilladoctors.org/respiratory-illness-outbreak-in-kwitonda-group-multiple-mountain-gorillas-treated/
Respiratory Illness Outbreak in Kwitonda Group – Multiple Mountain Gorillas Treated - Gorilla Doctors
By Gaspard Nzayisenga, senior field veterinarian Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda December 25, 2025 saw the beginnings of respiratory illness in some of the gorillas in Kwitonda group. Over the next f...
www.gorilladoctors.org
January 22, 2026 at 4:51 PM
NEW BLOG POST: Respiratory Illness Outbreak in Kwitonda Group
Written by Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga, senior field veterinarian, Rwanda
READ FULL STORY: www.gorilladoctors.org/respiratory-illness-outbreak-in-kwitonda-group-multiple-mountain-gorillas-treated/
Written by Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga, senior field veterinarian, Rwanda
READ FULL STORY: www.gorilladoctors.org/respiratory-illness-outbreak-in-kwitonda-group-multiple-mountain-gorillas-treated/
Yesterday, Dr. Adrien spent 4 hrs observing the Agashya group in Volcanoes NP. 40-year-old Mugeni is under close health monitoring due to an observed limp. The remainder of the group appeared to be in good health during the visit.
Pictured: Adult female Inyungu with her infant and silverback Isano
Pictured: Adult female Inyungu with her infant and silverback Isano
January 21, 2026 at 5:59 PM
Yesterday, Dr. Adrien spent 4 hrs observing the Agashya group in Volcanoes NP. 40-year-old Mugeni is under close health monitoring due to an observed limp. The remainder of the group appeared to be in good health during the visit.
Pictured: Adult female Inyungu with her infant and silverback Isano
Pictured: Adult female Inyungu with her infant and silverback Isano
Following reports that silverback Bweza (leader of Nshongi group) had sustained wounds to the head and shoulder, Dr. Ricky headed into Bwindi Impenetrable NP. Fortunately a veterinary intervention was not needed at this time, Close monitoring will be ongoing in case his condition takes a turn.
January 16, 2026 at 1:27 AM
Following reports that silverback Bweza (leader of Nshongi group) had sustained wounds to the head and shoulder, Dr. Ricky headed into Bwindi Impenetrable NP. Fortunately a veterinary intervention was not needed at this time, Close monitoring will be ongoing in case his condition takes a turn.
Ntamupaka, an adult female mountain gorilla in Sabyinyo group, was nursing her newborn when Dr. Adrien visited the group for a recent routine health check. Every healthy new baby is a cause for celebration, and Ntamupaka's newborn is no exception.
January 14, 2026 at 6:06 PM
Ntamupaka, an adult female mountain gorilla in Sabyinyo group, was nursing her newborn when Dr. Adrien visited the group for a recent routine health check. Every healthy new baby is a cause for celebration, and Ntamupaka's newborn is no exception.
Adult female mountain gorilla Mafuko has welcomed a set of twin babies, born January 3, marking an extraordinary moment for her family and for gorilla conservation.
Learn more: virunga.org/news/birth-o...
📸: Virunga National Park
Learn more: virunga.org/news/birth-o...
📸: Virunga National Park
January 9, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Adult female mountain gorilla Mafuko has welcomed a set of twin babies, born January 3, marking an extraordinary moment for her family and for gorilla conservation.
Learn more: virunga.org/news/birth-o...
📸: Virunga National Park
Learn more: virunga.org/news/birth-o...
📸: Virunga National Park
It was a warm and sunny day when Dr. Ricky visited Binyindo group in Bwindi Impenetrable NP. 7 of the group members were feeding up in the big fig trees while our vet conducted a visual health assessment. According to Dr. Ricky, Binyindo group appeared to be in good overall health.
January 8, 2026 at 5:46 PM
It was a warm and sunny day when Dr. Ricky visited Binyindo group in Bwindi Impenetrable NP. 7 of the group members were feeding up in the big fig trees while our vet conducted a visual health assessment. According to Dr. Ricky, Binyindo group appeared to be in good overall health.
Executive director Dr. Kirsten Gilardi recently joined our Ugandan field vets Drs. Ricky and Fred to check on Rushegura group in Bwindi Impenetrable NP. Apart from minor scratches on silverbacks Kabukojo and Kalembezi, the observed members of the group appeared to be in good overall health.
January 7, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Executive director Dr. Kirsten Gilardi recently joined our Ugandan field vets Drs. Ricky and Fred to check on Rushegura group in Bwindi Impenetrable NP. Apart from minor scratches on silverbacks Kabukojo and Kalembezi, the observed members of the group appeared to be in good overall health.
On 12/29, our team answered the call for Karevuro, the nearly 31-year-old silverback of Kwitonda group in Volcanoes NP. Trackers noticed he was lagging behind his family and lingering unusually long in his night nest, which are subtle but worrying signs for a gorilla who has led his group for years.
January 6, 2026 at 5:07 PM
On 12/29, our team answered the call for Karevuro, the nearly 31-year-old silverback of Kwitonda group in Volcanoes NP. Trackers noticed he was lagging behind his family and lingering unusually long in his night nest, which are subtle but worrying signs for a gorilla who has led his group for years.
This year, Gorilla Doctors will continue showing up where it matters most: safeguarding the health of endangered and critically endangered gorillas, advancing science, and strengthening the connection between wildlife, people, and the ecosystems we share.
Happy New Year from all of us!
Happy New Year from all of us!
January 5, 2026 at 6:32 PM
This year, Gorilla Doctors will continue showing up where it matters most: safeguarding the health of endangered and critically endangered gorillas, advancing science, and strengthening the connection between wildlife, people, and the ecosystems we share.
Happy New Year from all of us!
Happy New Year from all of us!
While most of us were slowing down right before Christmas, our team was trekking deep into the jungle. On 12/23, Dr. Cedric checked in on Katsabara group in Virunga NP. Despite challenging conditions, the effort was worth it. Katsabara group appeared to be in good overall health!
December 29, 2025 at 7:34 PM
While most of us were slowing down right before Christmas, our team was trekking deep into the jungle. On 12/23, Dr. Cedric checked in on Katsabara group in Virunga NP. Despite challenging conditions, the effort was worth it. Katsabara group appeared to be in good overall health!
All 11 Nyakagezi mountain gorillas (including two infants) were observed to be healthy with no injuries or signs of illness. Baby Byiringyiro (meaning “hope”), was born in September; the baby born in November is still unnamed. Long-term vet care helps gorilla families like this continue to thrive.
December 22, 2025 at 10:09 PM
All 11 Nyakagezi mountain gorillas (including two infants) were observed to be healthy with no injuries or signs of illness. Baby Byiringyiro (meaning “hope”), was born in September; the baby born in November is still unnamed. Long-term vet care helps gorilla families like this continue to thrive.
Drs. Fabrice & Lina successfully treated an adult female mountain gorilla in Virunga NP, DRC for an open abscess on her left breast. The next day, Dr. Fabrice reported that Mahisho was active, feeding and always with her infant. We are hopeful for rapid healing. Wishing everyone a nice weekend.
December 19, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Drs. Fabrice & Lina successfully treated an adult female mountain gorilla in Virunga NP, DRC for an open abscess on her left breast. The next day, Dr. Fabrice reported that Mahisho was active, feeding and always with her infant. We are hopeful for rapid healing. Wishing everyone a nice weekend.
Silverback Marambo of Muhoza group in Volcanoes NP, Rwanda sustained multiple injuries from an interaction with an unidentified lone silverback. Dr. Gaspard assessed Marambo's wounds - they were clean with no sign of infection. Marambo will be closely monitored until his injuries are fully healed.
December 18, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Silverback Marambo of Muhoza group in Volcanoes NP, Rwanda sustained multiple injuries from an interaction with an unidentified lone silverback. Dr. Gaspard assessed Marambo's wounds - they were clean with no sign of infection. Marambo will be closely monitored until his injuries are fully healed.
Always eat your veggies! 😂🦍 A mountain gorilla in Muhoza group, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, feeding (healthy appetite!) during a routine health check. #nomnomnom #gorilladoctors #gorillas #veterinarymedicine #wildlifehealth #mountaingorilla #snacktime #yum #midweekbreak
December 17, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Always eat your veggies! 😂🦍 A mountain gorilla in Muhoza group, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, feeding (healthy appetite!) during a routine health check. #nomnomnom #gorilladoctors #gorillas #veterinarymedicine #wildlifehealth #mountaingorilla #snacktime #yum #midweekbreak
WE'RE HIRING - Deadline: 8 Jan - mHealth Systems Consultant - We are recruiting talented, mission-driven professionals to support a first-of-its-kind transboundary Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, & Response (PPR) program in Uganda, DR Congo & Rwanda. DETAILS: www.gorilladoctors.org/join-our-team/
December 16, 2025 at 9:52 PM
WE'RE HIRING - Deadline: 8 Jan - mHealth Systems Consultant - We are recruiting talented, mission-driven professionals to support a first-of-its-kind transboundary Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, & Response (PPR) program in Uganda, DR Congo & Rwanda. DETAILS: www.gorilladoctors.org/join-our-team/
Adult female mountain gorilla Turimaso of Susa group in Volcanoes NP, Rwanda was observed with hair loss and brownish discoloration of her hair coat. But she currently has normal activity levels & appetite, so we will continue monitoring her in case a future intervention is needed. #gorilladoctors
December 15, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Adult female mountain gorilla Turimaso of Susa group in Volcanoes NP, Rwanda was observed with hair loss and brownish discoloration of her hair coat. But she currently has normal activity levels & appetite, so we will continue monitoring her in case a future intervention is needed. #gorilladoctors
We are on the Dean Obeidallah Show on SiriusXM Progress (channel 127) and the SiriusXM app tonight at 5:30 PM PT/8:30 PM ET. Hear our executive director, Dr. Kirsten talk about all things Gorilla Doctors!
December 12, 2025 at 11:26 PM
We are on the Dean Obeidallah Show on SiriusXM Progress (channel 127) and the SiriusXM app tonight at 5:30 PM PT/8:30 PM ET. Hear our executive director, Dr. Kirsten talk about all things Gorilla Doctors!
Recently, Dr. Gaspard visited Muhoza group in Volcanoes NP and noted that several #gorillas appeared to have brownish hair coat discoloration but were otherwise healthy. The group will continue to closely monitored.
Pictured: juvenile Kundumurimo feeding on a bamboo shoot
Pictured: juvenile Kundumurimo feeding on a bamboo shoot
December 12, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Recently, Dr. Gaspard visited Muhoza group in Volcanoes NP and noted that several #gorillas appeared to have brownish hair coat discoloration but were otherwise healthy. The group will continue to closely monitored.
Pictured: juvenile Kundumurimo feeding on a bamboo shoot
Pictured: juvenile Kundumurimo feeding on a bamboo shoot
Snare Removal Intervention: On 11/15, we received an urgent call from Volcanoes NP rangers: Umusingi, a 5-year-old juvenile in Igisha group, had been caught in a rope snare. The part wrapped around his wrist was cinched tightly, which could lead loss of his hand and/or a life-threatening infection.
December 10, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Snare Removal Intervention: On 11/15, we received an urgent call from Volcanoes NP rangers: Umusingi, a 5-year-old juvenile in Igisha group, had been caught in a rope snare. The part wrapped around his wrist was cinched tightly, which could lead loss of his hand and/or a life-threatening infection.
Dr. Adrien observed all 15 mountain gorillas of Igisha group and noticed subtle browning in the hair coats of a few individuals, a small change that can signal early gastrointestinal parasites. Because this was caught now, the group will be closely monitored in case an intervention is needed.
December 9, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Dr. Adrien observed all 15 mountain gorillas of Igisha group and noticed subtle browning in the hair coats of a few individuals, a small change that can signal early gastrointestinal parasites. Because this was caught now, the group will be closely monitored in case an intervention is needed.
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT! This #GivingTuesday your support for Gorilla Doctors can go 2x as far. The first $15k in donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar thanks to the Berson Murray Family! Donate today: tinyurl.com/giving-tuesday-gd
December 2, 2025 at 7:08 PM
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT! This #GivingTuesday your support for Gorilla Doctors can go 2x as far. The first $15k in donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar thanks to the Berson Murray Family! Donate today: tinyurl.com/giving-tuesday-gd
For Thanksgiving our US-based team will be taking a short break - just hanging out with friends & family. In the spirit of giving thanks, we are grateful to our Gorilla Doctors community – your support for our mission keep us inspired all year long and help us keep our gorilla patients healthy.
November 26, 2025 at 9:49 PM
For Thanksgiving our US-based team will be taking a short break - just hanging out with friends & family. In the spirit of giving thanks, we are grateful to our Gorilla Doctors community – your support for our mission keep us inspired all year long and help us keep our gorilla patients healthy.