Gorilla's in Uganda
Together with our conservation partner CTPH (Conservation Through Public Health), we are committed to the gorillas in Uganda. Miranda met the founder of this foundation (Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka) during the International Wildlife Congress in Norway. An intention to collaborate emerged from their conversations and pleasant walks during the congress.
As the first wildlife veterinarian in Uganda, Gladys was committed to protecting mountain gorillas. These beautiful, gentle animals were on the verge of extinction. Habitat loss and conflict with local communities were major problems. Gladys also discovered that the gorillas were infected with human-transmitted diseases. This led to the approach of One Health, which protects wildlife through human health programs. Alternative income for the local community has been realized through ecotourism where people can visit the gorillas and through selling fairtrade coffee. This income reduces the need for local people to poach for bushmeat.
During the course, you will learn everything about mountain gorillas, their behavior, and how we can protect them. And if you like, you can visit the mountain gorillas yourself! This is not mandatory and is not included in the course. But it is, of course, really cool to meet these friendly apes! Meet, for example, the relaxed gorilla mother Nyampaka (see photo below). Last year, she gave birth to a beautiful baby; the first baby of father Kavayo.
You can help Nyampaka, Kavayo, and the other mountain gorillas by:
- Making a donation to Cross Nature, specifying South Africa, on NL50 INGB 0009 2637 84 in the name of Stichting Cross Nature.
- Registering for our course (where 50% of the course fee goes to conservation projects).
- Visiting Chimp Eden in South Africa. (Feel free to contact us to schedule your visit).
More information: https://ctph.org/
