02/01/2022
Since 1902, when the mountain gorilla subspecies was discovered, the population has endured years of war, hunting, habitat destruction, and disease; threats so severe that it was once thought the mountain gorilla would be extinct by the end of the twentieth century.
Their heads and hands were cut off by poachers to be sold for a hefty price to foreigners. Heads were hung on the walls as a sign of power, while hands were used as ashtrays.
The Karisoke Research Center - currently known as Volcanoes National Park - shown in the video was established in 1967 by Dian Fossey as a conservation site for mountain gorillas in efforts to fight against poaching until her murder in 1985.
In 2005, in a bid to boost conservation and gorilla tours in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda introduced the annual baby naming ceremony for baby gorillas known as ‘Kwita Iziina’ which has seen great results in as far as gorilla population in volcanoes is concerned.
Currently, the total mountain gorilla population is estimated to be 1063 primates up from 254 in 1981.
More information about the gorilla trek shall follow.
