Silverback Kabirizi's Role as King of Virunga Threatened

Kabirizi eating with his family.This Blog was written by Dr. Eddy from Virunga National Park, DRC.

On the morning January 20, I left the Bukima patrol post with a group of trackers to find Kabirizi group. Along the way we encountered the night nest of the silverback Mukunda, who still stays by himself in the forest. About 30 minutes later we met a wild or unhabituated gorilla group, a very rare occurrence. The group was quiet initially but later they moved away, with the silverbacks charging and screaming at us. We know from the 2010 census that there are several large unhabituated groups in Viurnga.

Almost 3.5 hours after starting our trek, we found Kabirizi group. The weather was sunny and almost all of the gorillas were sitting under shade in the bushes which made our observation quite long and difficult.  We counted 33 individuals, including Kabirizi himself.

Kabirizi's injured foot.I realized that Kabirizi was quieter than usual. He was not charging, hiding, or running, and was eating out in the open with his family members. Normally Kabirizi does not like being observed by people, and stays hidden in the vegetation, keeping the group’s babies close to him for protection.  I noticed that Kabirizi has many healing wounds on his left shoulder and thigh and a large cut (about 7cm) on his right heel which was healing but not allowing him to walk properly. He was limping on the right side and using his left leg a lot while walking.

Kabirizi is missing his canines.Some time ago, Kabirizi lost his upper and lower canine teeth during a fight with another gorilla. I think that his lack of canines, his defensive weapons, is one of the reasons why it is easy for the other silverbacks in the group to take advantage of him in fights. The younger silverback Bagheni  been fighting with Kabirizi on a regular basis now, and Kabirizi most often loses the battles. Another young silverback in the group, Mugeni, is also starting to challenge Kabirizi.

While the other gorillas in the group appear healthy, Kabirizi is declining due to a combination of aging and frequent fighting with the other silverbacks. It will be very interesting to see how the dynamics in the family change this year.

Research Notes:  Kabirizi has been one of the most successful silverbacks in Virunga National Park, having sired dozens of babies during his 14-year reign as leader of Kabirizi group. Famous for his aggressiveness towards people and other gorillas, Kabirizi has killed a number of other male gorillas while defending his family.

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Improved Health Monitoring Tool Benefits Veterinarians and Gorillas

Dr. Eddy observes a silverback in Humba group during a health check.By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer

How do the Gorilla Doctors keep mountain gorillas healthy? The first step, and the foundation of our gorilla healthcare program, is gorilla health monitoring—visually observing the members of  gorilla groups on a regular basis to check for signs of illness or injury. MGVP is only able to monitor and treat gorillas in habituated groups—groups that have grown accustomed to the presence of humans after a long process of being gradually approached by people. Luckily for the Gorilla Doctors, most of our patients are easy to find and comfortable being observed at close range. About 73% of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Massif are habituated while about 50% are habituated in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The Gorilla Doctors visit every habituated mountain gorilla group once per month to perform a thorough visual health check. During a routine health check, the veterinarian tries to make visual contact with each member of the gorilla group in order to check a variety of health parameters:

• Body condition: Does the animal look well fed and healthy?
• Activity: Is the animal alert? Does it show any signs of weakness or lethargy?
• Respiration: Is the animal breathing well? Is it coughing or sneezing?
• Skin and Hair: Does the animal have any visible wounds, skin lesions, or unusual growths? Is its coat dull, discolored, or falling out?
• Head/Face Discharge: Does the animal have any visible signs of illness on its head or face such as a runny nose or eye discharge?
• Stool: Does the animal’s stool appear normal?

Careful notes are taken for each animal. When a gorilla is found to be suffering from human-induced or life-threatening injury or illness, the Gorilla Doctors, in collaboration with national park authorities, make plans to medically intervene in order to save the animal.

In addition to the veterinarians’ monthly checks, MGVP relies heavily on the observations of the trackers working for the national parks and organizations like Karisoke Research Center. The trackers see the gorillas every day and are trained by the Gorilla Doctors to look for any behavioral changes and other signs that could indicate illness and injury. Concerns are reported back to the Gorilla Doctors who follow up to perform own visual health checks.

To keep track of the health histories of the different gorillas the Gorilla Doctors have recorded their health check data in a system called IMPACT (Internet Management Program to Assist Conservation Technologies) for the past 6 years. IMPACT was originally designed by programmer Rich Minus and was recently revamped by Medical Decision Logic.

A Karisoke Research Center tracker records notes for the IMPACT system.Thanks to the improved system, we’re now training trackers to record their observations in IMPACT rather than simply reporting to MGVP when a problem is noted. By keeping an organized record of the daily observations of the trackers, the Gorilla Doctors and other researchers will have a much more in-depth understanding of the health trends in the population as well as a clearer picture of the overall health of individual gorillas. A group of 40 trackers from Volcanoes National Park and Karisoke Research were trained to use the IMPACT system this January. Trackers in Uganda and DR Congo will also receive training in the upcoming months.

You can follow the Gorilla Doctors health monitoring efforts on our Facebook page, where we post photos and notes from our monthly visits.

Please consider supporting MGVP by making a secure online donation. Every dollar you give goes to directly supporting our gorilla health programs and One Health initiative. Thank you for your generosity.

Top 10 Ways to Protect Mountain Gorillas

By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer

The recent popular YouTube video showing a tourist being touched by wild mountain gorillas has captivated more than a million viewers and will likely inspire many travelers to book a trip to visit mountain gorillas themselves.

While the desire to connect intimately with one of our closest relatives is an innate reaction, such close contact with this endangered species is not in the best interest of their conservation. Disease transmission due to contact with humans is a very real problem for mountain gorillas, some of whom have become ill as a result of their proximity to humans. That said, tourism and the work of scientists, researchers, and other experts with gorillas are absolutely vital to the species’ survival.

For those of you looking to make a positive impact on mountain gorilla conservation, the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project would like to suggest 10 ways in which you can help:

Infant gorilla in Bwenge group, Rwanda.1. Trek to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, DR Congo, or Uganda.

Without gorilla tourism, mountain gorillas might have gone extinct. The regions where mountain gorillas live are home to the densest human populations in Africa. Most of the people living in these areas are farmers, so land is critical to their livelihoods. However, the governments of Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo have kept the gorilla’s volcano habitat off-limits to agriculture  in order to protect the gorillas, largely because the revenue gained through tourism outweighs the value of forested slopes for other purposes. Gorilla trekking permits are pricey ($400 in DR Congo and $500 in Rwanda and Uganda), but by purchasing permits, you’re not only buying a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with this charismatic species, you’re providing the economic incentive for the gorillas’ protection. Visit the tourism websites for gorilla trekking Rwanda, DR Congo, and Uganda to learn more.

2. Do not trek to see gorillas if you are sick.

Due to the genetic similarity between humans and mountain gorillas, gorillas are susceptible to many of the same infectious diseases that affect people. Mountain gorillas are also immunologically naïve, meaning they are particularly susceptible to human diseases because of their historic isolation from people. Research conducted by the Gorilla Doctors and other scientists has proven that mountain gorillas have died as a result of infections that originated in people. Infectious disease, after trauma, is the leading cause of death in mountain gorillas, accounting for 20% of acute mortality. The most common infection is respiratory disease, which can range from mild colds to severe pneumonia. To protect gorillas from such infections, the national park authorities ask that anyone feeling sick or running a fever to not trek gorillas.

3. Stay at least 7 meters away from the gorillas.

In order to reduce the risk of disease transmission and to avoid changing or disturbing the gorillas’ natural behavior, the Gorilla Doctors have worked national park authorities to establish the rule of staying 7 meters (21 feet) or more from the gorillas at all times. The gorillas themselves, especially youngsters, don’t know the rules and may approach humans, but tourists should make the effort to back away and avoid touching the animal if possible. The 7-meter rule should be observed at all times, even when gorillas leave the national park and venture on to property owned by tourist lodges and camps.

The Gorilla Doctors prepare to dart an injured gorilla with antibiotics.4. Donate to conservation organizations working to protect mountain gorillas.

One of the most effective ways to help mountain gorillas is to donate money to organizations working on the ground to conserve the species. Numerous organizations including MGVP have spent decades finding effective methods for protecting mountain gorillas, and most rely on grants and donations to fund their work.

When donating your money to support any cause, it’s important to evaluate the organization you’re considering supporting to determine how successful the group is in carrying out its mission. You should find the answers to questions like,  “What methods does the organization use to accomplish its stated goals?” and “Does the organization have any data or statistics to show that its methods are having an impact?” An organization’s website and annual reports should provide this information, or you can always send an inquiry to their public information or development officer.

MGVP is proud to be the only organization providing direct life-saving medical care to mountain gorillas in the wild. Research has shown that the work of the Gorilla Doctors and the anti-poaching efforts of the park rangers and trackers we work with is responsible for up to 40% of the growth of the human-habituated mountain gorilla population in the Virunga Massif over the last 10 years. Donations can be made through the Gorilla Doctors website.

View of the lava lake from the top of the Nyiragongo volcano in DR Congo.5. When visiting the region, do other activities in the parks in addition to gorilla trekking.

The vast majority of tourists who visit the national parks where gorillas live spend a day or two trekking gorillas and then leave. However, all of the gorilla parks offer other amazing wilderness experiences. As with gorilla trekking, the revenue earned through these activities further incentivizes the governments and local people to protect mountain gorilla habitat. You can climb the active Nyiragongo volcano in DR Congo, home to the world’s largest lava lake, or can climb extinct volcanoes in Rwanda and Uganda, such as the snow-covered Mt. Karismibi or the fluted peaks of Mt. Sabyinyo. Both Rwanda and Uganda offer treks to see golden monkeys (another highly endangered primate), and in Rwanda you may also visit the gravesite and former research station of Dian Fossey. Ask your tour provider about the options available.

An Itore dancer at the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village.6. Support local businesses and community projects around the national parks.

As much effort as the governments and conservation organizations put into protecting the gorillas, the support of the local people surrounding the parks is vital to ensure the preservation of gorilla habitat and the conservation of mountain gorillas. The more that local people share in tourism revenue and benefit from non-profit and community efforts in the area, the more likely they are to want to protect the mountain gorillas. Tourists can help by frequenting local restaurants, shops, and other businesses, or by making contributions to community projects around the park. For instance, tourists can pay to visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village near Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, which employs former poachers as cultural interpreters and performers. 

7. Don't buy products made with wild animal parts.

While mountain gorillas are very rarely targeted by poachers, other animals living in the national parks where gorillas live are actively hunted. Poachers mostly set snares to catch small antelopes to bring home to their families for food but occasionally larger animals such as buffalo or elephants may be targeted. Gorillas often get caught in poachers’ snares set for other animals. Furthermore, poachers’ very presence in the forest disturbs the environment and increases the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. While the main purpose of poaching is to obtain bush meat, wild animal skins, bones, and ivory may be used in crafts and other items sold to tourists. If you have any doubt about a product’s origins, don’t buy it. And certainly, in the rare instance you may see or hear of someone selling a live wild animal, report it to the national park authorities.

8 . Trek with a tour provider that donates a portion of the trip cost towards conservation efforts.

When researching tour packages to see gorillas, consider booking with a provider that directs a portion of their profits to support conservation projects. For example, Terra Incognita Ecotours, which offers 8-day Rwanda tours including a visit with the Gorilla Doctors, donates a portion of the trip cost to MGVP. In DR Congo, you can book packages including permits, transport, and accommodations directly through Virunga National Park, which puts profits right back into the park itself.

9. Organize a fundraiser.

Can’t afford to make significant personal donation or travel to Africa? Organize or participate in a fundraiser to help raise money for mountain gorilla conservation. In the past, schools have raised money for MGVP through bake sales and fun runs. Travelers and volunteers visiting gorillas in Rwanda have sold gorilla t-shirts to raise money to pay for their trips and make a donation to MGVP. One of biggest our fans even raised $30,000 in donations and pledges by walking 228 miles from Seattle to Portland, Oregon!

10. Spread the word about mountain gorilla conservation.

Anyone can make a difference for the gorillas by telling their friends, family, and colleagues about the mountain gorillas and the efforts being made to save them. Remember that even though mountain gorillas are critically endangered, their story is a positive one! Mountain gorillas are the only subspecies of non-human great ape growing in number. Fewer than 250 animals were counted in the mid-80s when Dian Fossey was researching the gorillas but today the population numbers nearly 800 animals. This species has a fighting chance for survival if we continue to work to address conservation challenges.

Please consider supporting MGVP by making a secure online donation. Every dollar you give goes to directly supporting our gorilla health programs and One Health initiative. Thank you for your generosity.

Welcome Dr. Dawn!

Dr. Dawn with a baby orangutan.Those of us on the staff of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project are happy to welcome our newest Gorilla Doctor, Dr. Dawn Zimmerman, who will serve as the regional veterinary manager at our headquarters in Musanze, Rwanda. Taking over the position from Dr. Jan, Dr. Dawn will manage our veterinary and one health programs in Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda, including leading gorilla health monitoring and medical interventions, supervising the staff and interns, liaising with partners, and facilitating research.

“I still have a lot to learn about working with the different cultures, languages, and governments,” says Dr. Dawn. “However, MGVP’s extremely capable and friendly staff has been great in helping me settle into my new position and life in Africa.”

Dr. Dawn comes to us from the Memphis Zoo, where she worked for 8 years, most recently as the senior veterinarian. Originally from California, Dr. Dawn earned a BS at UC Davis and an MS in biology and ecology at San Diego State University before graduating with honors from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2001.

Dr. Dawn with a black rhino in South Africa.While working at the Memphis Zoo, Dr. Dawn won numerous grants to perform field work with wild animals overseas. She helped reintroduce black and white ruffed lemurs and diademed sifaka in Madagascar, collected research samples from immobilized black rhinos in South Africa, performed a biomedical survey on brown hyenas in the Namib Desert, and assisted in an educational program as a lecturer and instructor for the conservation of Siberian tigers in Russia.

First hearing about MGVP at an American Association of Zoo Veterinarians meeting, Dr. Dawn kept in contact with MGVP Executive Director Dr. Mike, waiting for a potential job opening. “I went to veterinary school with a job like this in my mind as the ultimate goal,” says Dr. Dawn. “Working with animals in a zoo setting is amazing--they are ambassadors for their wild counterparts--but being able help a critically endangered species in the wild is, to me, the epitome of conservation medicine.”

“To work with mountain gorillas is particularly special,” says Dr. Dawn. “They are so intelligent and they allow us to enter into their realm and share their space. Their acceptance of our presence in their lives is probably one of the most important reasons why the species still exists.  Without it, tourism and health monitoring as it currently exists would not be possible.”

Mountain Gorilla Dunia Treated for Snare in DR Congo

By Molly Feltner, MGVP Communications Officer

On December 13, the Chief Park Warden of Virunga National Park, Emmanuel de Merode, called Dr. Eddy to report that rangers had found a mountain gorilla caught in a poacher’s trap in the Jomba region of the park. The gorilla, Dunia, a four- or five-year-old female belonging to the Mapuwa family, had a rope snare around her right wrist and the wrist appeared swollen and possibly lacerated. Ranger Desire Sekibibi was able to cut the long end of the rope from the vegetation where it was tied. While Dunia was free to move with the rest of the group, the actual snare remained tight around her wrist. Ensnared gorillas can lose limbs and possibly die from infections in the snare wounds, so Dunia’s situation was an emergency.

Drs. Jan, Eddy, and Jean-Felix.Emmanuel asked the Gorilla Doctors for help, and an intervention team was quickly formed to travel to DR Congo. Dr. Jean-Felix joined Dr. Eddy at the MGVP headquarters in Rwanda and Dr. Jan, who thought she had finished her final day of work with MGVP last week, was called out of retirement for one last intervention. Because Jomba is on the far northern end of the Virunga Massif in Congo, it was fastest to travel through Uganda reach the group’s location. The Gorilla Doctors spent the night in Kisoro, Uganda, and planned an intervention for early the next morning. Silverbacks are usually extremely agitated and aggressive the day a member of their family is caught in a snare, so it is considered safer to give the group a night to calm down before intervening. 

Trekking to find the group.On the morning of the 14^th, the Gorilla Doctors met a team of Virunga National Park rangers at the Congo border and drove to Jomba to begin the trek near the base of the Sabyinyo volcano. An advance team of trackers and rangers found the group eating wild banana trees inside a narrow crater on the side of the mountain.

Dunia hides behind Mapuwa.The Mapuwa family has 15 members, including two silverbacks, Mapuwa and Nvuyekure, and blackback Mambo. The team found most of the group feeding on banana trees with Nvuyekure. However, Mapuwa and Mambo were about 75 meters from the rest of the group guarding Dunia. At first it was difficult to see Dunia clearly, as Mapuwa and Mambo kept her hidden the dense vegetation.

Mambo.After a few minutes, Mambo sat down within 3 meters of the intervention team and blocked their access to the trail so that Mapuwa and Dunia could return to the rest of the group. 

Dunia walks by Mambo.The Gorilla Doctors were able to get a good look at Dunia as she passed by and the snare was gone! She was clearly limping in pain and had a small wound on her wrist, but with the snare off, so she was no longer in immediate danger.

No snare!The Gorilla Doctors and park rangers consulted with Emmanuel de Merode by phone to determine the best course action. Dr. Eddy recommended that Dunia be darted with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce her pain and the possibility of infection rather than sedate her for a full examination. A full examination would allow the doctors to inspect the wounded wrist up close and determine if Dunia had other injuries, but using anesthesia always carries risks for the gorilla. Having one of its members sedated and inspected by humans also greatly disturbs gorilla groups. The silverbacks may become violent or the whole group might flee and leave the sedated animal behind. It is challenging to make such veterinary decisions when working with wild animals in an uncontrolled environment, so it was important to consider the options for Dunia carefully. Eventually, the group decided to follow Dr. Eddy’s recommendations.

Discussing the options.

Once Dunia had joined the rest of group, the silverbacks relaxed and Dr. Eddy and Ranger Desire were able to approach her. Hiding the dart gun behind Desire so that Dunia would not see it and flee, Dr. Eddy shot a dart into her thigh. Dunia quietly pulled the dart out and walked away.

After the darting.

Thanks to the snare coming off on its own and the easy darting, the day proved a great success. The Gorilla Doctors and rangers are still concerned for Dunia’s recovery, so rangers will monitor her closely over the next few days. If she continues to limp or shows signs of infection, the Gorilla Doctors will return to perform another intervention.

Here is a video of the intervention:

Please consider supporting MGVP by making a secure online donation. Every dollar you give goes to directly supporting our gorilla health programs and One Health initiative. Thank you for your generosity.