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Uganda · Great ape protection

Mountain Gorilla Rescue in Uganda

How mountain gorilla protection works in Uganda — veterinary response, snare removal and conflict mitigation through WARN partner grants in Bwindi and Mgahinga.

By WARN Research & Conservation TeamLast updated

A mountain gorilla in dense montane forest in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

In brief

Mountain gorilla rescue in Uganda focuses on partner-led veterinary response for snared and injured gorillas, snare removal in Bwindi and Mgahinga, and humane conflict mitigation at park edges — not WARN-run facilities or tourism.

~1,063
Mountain gorillas globally
~50%
Live in Uganda
Endangered
IUCN status
2
Uganda gorilla parks

Guide 1

Why Uganda matters for gorillas

Roughly half the world's mountain gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Uganda shares the Virunga population with Rwanda and the DRC — the only great ape whose numbers are increasing, but still Endangered and entirely dependent on continued protection.

Guide 2

Snares, disease and conflict

Wire snares set for bushmeat maim and kill gorillas. Gorillas share much of our DNA and are acutely vulnerable to human respiratory disease — strict health protocols exist because a common cold can kill a gorilla. Dense human settlement at park edges drives crop raiding and conflict.

Guide 3

Potential support and grant assessment

WARN is developing grant support. Check the relevant appeal and /about/where-your-money-goes/#grant-register for recipient selection, agreements and published payments. WARN does not run gorilla facilities, trekking operations or its own field teams.

Guide 4

UK Donor Route for Gorilla Conservation

Donate at gorilla appeal for partner grants covering veterinary response, snare removal and conflict mitigation in Bwindi and Mgahinga. The country guides describe welfare issues and places; they do not establish funded WARN operations. See donate gorilla conservation for donor-intent search.

Guide 5

Disease Risk and Tourist Protocols

Mountain gorillas share much of our DNA and die from human respiratory infections. Strict health protocols — mask distance, illness screening — exist because a common cold can kill a gorilla. Partner care protocols respect these rules.

Source Notes

WARN uses named intergovernmental, conservation and animal-welfare sources for numeric claims. These notes summarise the source basis for this page.

IUCN Red List — Mountain gorilla

Endangered; population increasing with intensive protection.

International Gorilla Conservation Programme

Transboundary gorilla conservation across Rwanda, Uganda and DRC.

WARN Uganda country page

Programme context at Uganda.

Mountain Gorilla Rescue in Uganda: Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain gorillas are in Uganda?
Roughly half the global population of about 1,063 mountain gorillas lives in Bwindi and Mgahinga, alongside populations in Rwanda and the DRC.
Does WARN fund gorilla trekking?
No. WARN is developing grant support. Check the relevant appeal and /about/where-your-money-goes/#grant-register for recipient selection, agreements and published payments.
Does WARN run gorilla sanctuaries in Uganda?
No. WARN is a grant-making not-for-profit partnering with established Ugandan conservation organisations.
What threatens mountain gorillas in Uganda?
Snares, disease from human proximity, habitat pressure from dense settlement and historic poaching pressure — though intensive protection has driven recovery.
How does Uganda compare to Rwanda?
Both hold mountain gorilla populations in the Virunga volcanoes. WARN aims to raise support for partner work in both countries through the gorilla appeal and country pages.
Can UK donors support Ugandan gorillas?
Yes — donate to the gorilla appeal or explore Uganda for programme context.
Are gorillas still Endangered?
Yes. Numbers are increasing thanks to intensive protection, but mountain gorillas remain Endangered and dependent on continued funding.
What is the Albertine Rift?
A biodiversity hotspot spanning Uganda, Rwanda and neighbours — home to gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants and hundreds of endemic species under intense human pressure.
Can I donate to gorilla conservation from the UK?
Yes — gorilla appeal funds partner-led veterinary response and snare removal in Uganda and Rwanda.
How does Uganda compare to Rwanda for gorilla funding?
Both hold Virunga populations. WARN aims to raise support for partner work in both through the gorilla appeal and country pages.
Can I adopt a gorilla symbolically?
WARN offers gorilla programme support through gorilla appeal — symbolic adoption species focus is on dog, cat, elephant, tiger, orangutan, macaw, pangolin and sea turtle at symbolic adoption.
Are mountain gorilla numbers increasing?
Yes — intensive protection has driven recovery to roughly 1,063 globally, but they remain IUCN Endangered and entirely dependent on continued funding.
How can I check whether WARN has paid a grant?
Read /about/where-your-money-goes/#grant-register for published recipient, approval and payment records. A reconciled financial summary and individual grant records have not yet been published here. This is a reporting status, not a statement that income, expenditure or grants are zero. Contact WARN for information about your gift.

Help Fund Frontline Rescue

World Animal Rescue Network CIC (Company no. 17298990) raises funds for established local partners. Your support helps build the rescue capacity these animals need.

Support the Gorilla Appeal