Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund—Protecting Gorillas, Empowering People, Inspiring the Future
Deep in the misty mountains of Central Africa, where the rainforests of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo meet, lives a conservation legacy that has changed the world — the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Founded on the passion and vision of Dr. Dian Fossey, this organization has become the cornerstone of mountain gorilla protection and research. From her pioneering work in the 1960s to today’s large-scale conservation programs, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund continues to protect gorillas while supporting the people who share their forest home.
Her mission lives on: to help humans and gorillas coexist, thrive, and secure a future together in harmony with nature.
Dian Fossey’s Vision and the Birth of the Fund
In 1967, Dian Fossey established the Karisoke Research Center between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Visoke in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. What began as a small camp became the world’s leading hub for gorilla research and protection.
Her close studies of gorilla behavior, family dynamics, and communication revealed the deep intelligence and emotional complexity of these great apes. Through her tireless work — often conducted under dangerous and harsh conditions Fossey brought the plight of the mountain gorilla to global attention.
After her tragic death in 1985, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International was formed to continue her life’s work. Today, the organization operates in Rwanda and the DRC, protecting gorillas and empowering people through science, education, and community partnerships.
Protecting Gorillas and Their Forest Habitats
The Fund’s most visible achievement lies in gorilla protection and monitoring. Working hand in hand with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN), the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund ensures daily patrols across the gorilla’s forest ranges.
Rangers and trackers monitor each habituated gorilla family, recording births, behavior, and health conditions. This constant surveillance prevents poaching, removes snares, and allows quick medical intervention when needed.
Their presence has yielded extraordinary results: the mountain gorilla population — once below 300 individuals — has more than doubled, reaching over 1,000 gorillas today. This recovery stands as one of the greatest wildlife conservation successes in history.
Community Development and Coexistence
Dian Fossey believed that true conservation could not succeed without local participation. Her foundation continues that philosophy by investing in community-based programs that improve livelihoods and reduce human pressure on the forests.
These initiatives include:
- Education and Scholarships: Supporting local schools, teacher training, and environmental clubs for youth.
- Agriculture and Income Projects: Teaching sustainable farming and providing seeds, livestock, and beekeeping equipment to reduce forest dependence.
- Healthcare Programs: Improving access to clean water, maternal health, and disease prevention in communities bordering national parks.
By aligning conservation with community well-being, the Fund helps people see gorillas not as competition for resources but as valuable partners in sustainable development.
Scientific Research and Education
The Karisoke Research Center remains at the heart of the Fund’s operations. It serves as a living laboratory for ecological and behavioral studies, hosting local and international researchers. Over 50 years of continuous gorilla observation data have made Karisoke one of the world’s longest-running wildlife research programs.
In 2022, the Fund opened the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund near Volcanoes National Park. This modern facility provides classrooms, laboratories, botanical gardens, and visitor learning centers. It strengthens conservation education for local students while advancing global research collaboration.
Through research and education, the Fund not only safeguards gorillas but also inspires the next generation of African conservationists.
The Fund’s Work in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Beyond Rwanda, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund protects Grauer’s gorillas in eastern DRC — a critically endangered subspecies found in the Kahuzi-Biega and Maiko National Parks. The Fund trains trackers, equips rangers, and supports communities to reduce habitat destruction.
In this region, conservation is more complex due to political instability and limited resources. Yet, the Fund’s long-term presence ensures that conservation continues even under challenging conditions, providing safety for gorillas and stability for communities.
Partnerships and Global Impact
The success of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund depends on collaboration. The organization works alongside governments, conservation NGOs, universities, and tourism partners like GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS to promote responsible tourism and conservation education.
Every gorilla trekking permit purchased in Rwanda or Uganda indirectly supports the Fund’s mission by funding ranger programs, veterinary care, and community outreach. Together, these partnerships strengthen the link between tourism and conservation, ensuring that visitors help sustain the very species they come to see.
How Travelers Can Support the Mission
Visitors to Rwanda can learn about the Fund’s work by touring the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, meeting researchers, and exploring educational exhibits about gorilla conservation. Travelers can also support the cause by:
- Donating to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
- Booking eco-friendly safaris that prioritize conservation.
- Purchasing locally made crafts from communities around Volcanoes National Park.
- Sharing awareness of gorilla protection initiatives.
Each traveler who visits responsibly becomes part of Dian Fossey’s enduring legacy.
A Legacy That Lives On
From one woman’s determination to protect gorillas, an entire movement was born. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund continues to embody her spirit of science, compassion, and resilience. Through decades of commitment, it has turned tragedy into triumph — proving that conservation, when rooted in community and care, can change the course of history.
Plan Your Gorilla Conservation Safari
Experience the world of Dian Fossey and the mountain gorillas she devoted her life to protecting. Join an eco-friendly trekking experience in Rwanda or Uganda with GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS. Our safaris focus on responsible travel, community support, and education — allowing you to witness nature’s wonders while contributing to their preservation.