Gorilla Conservation Get A Boost with A New Research Facility in Rwanda

It takes a collective effort to conserve and protect mountain gorillas or wildlife in general. In a move to boost gorilla conservation and tourism in Rwanda, home to over 30% of the world’s 1063 endangered mountain gorillas, a new research center has been established. Efforts to save the lives of these large apes began a long time ago when Dian Fossey camped at the Virunga Volcanoes, carrying out research about them for over 18 years.

Dian Fossey left a remarkable gorilla conservation legacy and being a pioneer of gorilla protection, continuity of her work needs must be ensured. This has led to the establishment of the brand-new Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda.

Dian Fossey began her journey of research about mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains in the 1960s. At that time, her work was not envisioned would yield incredible results like it is to date. She was a devoted primatologist, who spent most of her time protecting and conserving the now endangered mountain gorillas. During the Dian Fossey era, these apes were on the brink of extinction and an ultimate was paid.

Today, the world celebrates a total of about 1063 endangered mountain gorillas, thanks to Dian Fossey’s decades of dedication to protecting them in the wild. Her efforts have not been forgotten, and to ensure continuity, the now brand-new Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund comes to play. The campus has been set at the base of Volcanoes National Park, Northwestern Rwanda, a 2-3 hours drive from Kigali capital city.

The Ellen Campus is a multi-acre, eco-friendly facility set right nearby Volcanoes National Park. It features 3 main buildings, the Sandy and Harold Price Research Center, Rob Melani Walton Education Center, & the Cindy Broader Conservation Gallery plus housing where students and researchers stay. The campus is the gateway to gorilla conservation for most stakeholders with whom the Gorilla Fund works, ensuring the creation of future conservationists.

Gorilla trekking & New Research Center (Ellen Campus)

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda remains as a core experience and a major draw in the country entirely. Wildlife lovers worldwide confine into Northwestern Rwanda exploring more about the rare mountain gorillas. Tracking mountain gorillas is a lifetime experience and with the establishment of the Ellen Campus, visitors can now incorporate their gorilla safaris with visits to this facility for a more educational and enriching experience while on Rwanda safaris.

The campus was opened in June 2022 by Ellen DeGeneres and her patterner, Portia De Rossi plus supporters and dignitaries. She commended Dian Fossey efforts, describing her as hero. Because of her dedication to gorillas, the world has changed. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund has been in existence for about 50 years, thanks to their tireless work, the Rwanda government’s commitment and support and efforts from other conservation groups.

Currently, over 1063 mountain gorillas live in the wild, and they freely roam in the jungles of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund (DFGF) was founded in 1967, and it has been and still doing the work Dian Fossey left. Boots-on-the-ground approach with researchers in the jungles each day conducting research and protecting gorillas is what is required to register a success story in mountain gorilla conservation.

The Ellen Campus is a USD15 million facility and this has been achieved from generous donations that include the Ellen Fund. It was uniquely designed by MASS Design Group with sustainability principles put into consideration. It is an eco-friendly facility, some elements obtained from Dian Fossey’s original tent camp she set up at Karisoke Research Center. The campus features a regenerative, biodiverse landscape where over 250,000 native plants are and they encircle the 3 main structures. There is blend of green roofs, matching well with the landscape.

Outside this state of art research and learning center, there is a gorilla trail ushering visitors through a day in the of a mountain gorilla. The biodiversity trail offering more opportunities to tourists to explore about a lot on the evolution of different plant species. Nearby the wetlands, visitors get insight into the wastewater treatment system.

Rwanda gorilla trekking booking and tourism

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and such inspiration adventures are achievable when you plan your holiday with a reliable tour operator on ground such as Maranatha Tours and Travel. Gorilla permits for Rwanda can be obtained in advance at USD1500 and participating in the gorilla trekking experience means, you have also greatly supported the conservation of mountain gorillas.

What to expect on a Rwanda gorilla trek?

On the actual day of visiting mountain gorillas in Rwanda, a briefing about gorilla trekking rules will be done at Volcanoes National Park head offices located in Kinigi. You will be sub-divided into small groups consisting of 8 visitors, each assigned to a gorilla family that is fully habituated. All Rwanda gorilla safaris are conducted with lead of an experienced park guide from Volcanoes National Park.