In the spotlight: interview with the Gorilla Doctors

Dignified, awe-inspiring, and critically endangered, the gorilla populations of Central Africa offer one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences on Earth. Threatened by poaching and habitat loss, these magnificent primates are in urgent need of protection, and conservation efforts have never been more vital. One organization leading the charge is Gorilla Doctors, a pioneering project dedicated to safeguarding the future of wild gorillas by providing direct medical care in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their work is crucial to the survival of these animals. Our interview with the Gorilla Doctors adds insight the project.

To learn more, we spoke with Dr. Fred Nizeyimana, a Field Veterinarian with Gorilla Doctors in Uganda. He shared what inspired his passion for primates and gave us a glimpse into his day-to-day work in the field.

Could you tell us a little bit about the Gorilla Doctors project? What does it involve and how long have you been a part of it?

I’ve been working with Gorilla Doctors for about seven years now, though my connection to the organization began when I was still a student. They supported my early research on mountain gorilla populations in Mgahinga National Park, a formative experience that shaped my career path.

Gorilla Doctors is a veterinary organization operating in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in partnership with the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center. Our team includes 15 veterinarians along with essential support staff, all committed to monitoring the health of mountain gorilla populations, treating injuries and illnesses, and caring for orphaned gorillas. Thanks to our collaboration with the University of California, our work also contributes to important academic research and conservation science.

What inspired you to move into the veterinary field and, more specifically, primate care and conservation?

I was born in Kisoro District, so I grew up hearing captivating stories about the mountain gorillas that lived nearby. These tales of enormous, majestic creatures right in my own backyard sparked my early fascination with wildlife and inspired me to pursue veterinary medicine. After earning my veterinary degree, I developed a strong interest in wildlife and conservation medicine. In 2005, I joined a research project in Kibale National Park, and later, from 2007 to 2009, I worked with chimpanzees at the Ngamba Island Sanctuary. Joining Gorilla Doctors solidified my passion for wildlife conservation and hands-on veterinary care, and I’ve been committed to it ever since.

How many gorilla groups do you currently work with? Does each troop have distinct personality and behavior patterns?

Right now, I work with 14 different gorilla groups, and yes, each one has its own unique behavior patterns and group dynamics. Individual gorillas also have distinct personalities, and getting to know them has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Some groups are more relaxed around us than others. For example, Kokono, the lead silverback of the Bweza group, is calm and friendly, and his attitude sets the tone for the whole troop. They’re very welcoming and remain at ease in our presence. On the other hand, groups like the Nyakagezi troop tend to be more cautious, possibly because we’ve had to intervene and treat members of their group multiple times.

Most of these gorilla families are part of habituation programs, which means they’re accustomed to human observation. This allows visitors to witness their behavior up close and offers a fascinating look at how individual gorillas interact within the broader group.

Obviously, you provide animal care on the ground, are local communities involved in wildlife conservation efforts?

Local communities absolutely play a vital role in conservation. With support from local governments, community-based organizations, and international NGOs, people are increasingly becoming active participants in protecting these animals. There’s growing awareness and ownership of conservation efforts, and that involvement is essential to the long-term survival of mountain gorillas.

During your years with Gorilla Doctors, have you had any really special moments? Any experiences that you’ll remember forever?

Absolutely, there have been so many unforgettable moments. I know I’ll carry this experience of working closely with these amazing animals with me for the rest of my life. Being able to provide them with the medical care they need, and gaining the trust of their communities, has truly been a privilege. Some of the most emotional moments have involved snare removal. Young gorillas, especially infants, are often the ones caught in these painful traps. The process is delicate and time-consuming. We first dart the animal, and once it’s safely tranquilized, we have to remove the snare as quickly as possible to reduce stress, both for the individual and for the rest of the troop.

I’ll never forget my very first snare removal back in 2010. The silverbacks were shouting loudly, clearly agitated and concerned, but once we returned the baby to the group, you could feel the emotional release, it was incredibly moving. Since then, I’ve performed countless interventions, administered antibiotics, and helped many gorillas recover and thrive in the wild. One particularly special case was Kabujuko, a young blackback who took over leadership of his group. He was challenged by neighboring silverbacks and became very weak. The troop was at risk of destabilizing. We treated him with antibiotics, and over time he regained his strength. Today, he’s a thriving silverback, and seeing that transformation makes all our hard work worth it.

You’ve lived in Uganda your entire life, are there any highlights you would recommend for visitors?

Uganda truly is the Pearl of Africa. With warm, welcoming people, stunning landscapes, and rich biodiversity, it’s a must-visit destination for any traveler. For wildlife lovers, I’d highly recommend gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. If you’re interested in chimpanzees, Kibale National Park is the place to go. Murchison Falls is another gem, it’s home to classic savanna wildlife like elephants, giraffes, and antelope, and the waterfall itself is spectacular.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Mount Elgon offers an unforgettable hiking experience. The region is known for its dramatic landscapes, coffee plantations, and beautiful waterfalls. And for those seeking a peaceful retreat, the Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria are ideal. With sandy beaches and blazing sunsets, they’re perfect for unplugging from the modern world.

How can people help Gorilla Doctors with their primate conservation efforts?

There are many ways to get involved! One of the most impactful is by making a financial donation. These funds go directly toward essential medical supplies, treatments, and equipment we use in the field. They also help us raise awareness about the work we’re doing. We also welcome volunteers who can contribute in various ways, from analyzing samples in the lab to supporting our communications and outreach efforts. There’s plenty of information on how to get involved on the Gorilla Doctors website, and we truly appreciate every form of support.

What’s next for Gorilla Doctors? Do you see the project expanding or moving into different regions?

Gorilla Doctors has recently expanded its mission to include not only mountain gorillas but also eastern lowland gorillas. Our goal is to continue building awareness and momentum around wildlife conservation while helping increase gorilla populations throughout the regions we serve. We’re also deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of professionals to enter the fields of veterinary and wildlife health. By encouraging more people, especially within our local communities, to pursue careers in conservation medicine, we hope to ensure the sustainability and growth of this important work well into the future.

And, we’ve got to ask, what would be your top three dream travel destinations around the world?

It’s tough to narrow it down, but if I had to choose, I’d say Italy, Florida, and Peru. Visiting Machu Picchu has been a dream of mine for a long time!

Make it happen

If you’re inspired by our interview with the Gorilla Doctors and want to support their vital conservation work, visit their official website to learn how you can get involved. And if seeing these incredible animals in the wild is on your bucket list, explore our Uganda destination pages or send an inquiry to our local experts, they’ll help you plan a once-in-a-lifetime experience.