Today in Focus The comeback of the mountain gorilla
Oct 29, 2025
Patrick Greenfield, a biodiversity reporter for The Guardian, takes us on a journey through the Virunga mountains, where he explores the remarkable recovery of mountain gorillas. He shares insights about the vibrant local culture, including a lively naming ceremony prior to his trek. Greenfield highlights the vital role of Gorilla Doctors in veterinary care and profiles dedicated trackers monitoring these incredible animals. He discusses the balance between tourism and conservation, revealing how protective measures helped elevate the gorilla population from near extinction to thriving once more.
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Finding The Fresh Nest
- The team found a fresh nest with a clear body imprint and abundant droppings indicating recent presence.
- That discovery signalled they were close enough to encounter the group.
Population Recovery Reclassified Status
- Virunga holds roughly 500–600 mountain gorillas and, combined with Bwindi, totals over 1,000 globally.
- That recovery prompted the IUCN to move mountain gorillas from Critically Endangered to Endangered.
Gorilla Doctors' Frontline Work
- Gorilla Doctors formed to intervene in the forest, providing emergency veterinary care for injured gorillas.
- Patrick estimates their work accounts for about half the population increase in the Virunga range.