Gorillas in the Rainforests

December 16, 2010 | By Donna Evans

Mama and Baby Gorillas

As you may know, Mountain Gorillas are an endangered species. For years the Silverbacks and other adults have been poached and their babies have been stolen. There has been a lot of effort to protect and conserve this species.

The latest estimate of their numbers shows they have increased by 26.3% over the last seven years in Virunga. Virunga Massif is comprised of  Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Parc National des Virunga in DR Congo; where there is estimated to be a population of 480, up from 380.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda also has gorilla families. In 2006 it was estimated there were 340 gorillas.

A limited number of permits are available for those adventure travelers who are interested in seeing them in the wild. It is worth the trek!