THE VIRUNGA MOUNTAINS are a chain of massive volcanoes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. Within the mountain’s cloud forest reside the last remaining wild gorillas including both the critically endangered mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas. Primatologist Dian Fossey, who founded the Gorilla Fund, dedicated her life’s work to conserving these incredible at-risk creatures. Her efforts, along with those by the modern-day Gorilla Doctors (an organisation dedicated to saving the mountain and eastern lowland gorilla species), have contributed to a population increase of endangered mountain gorillas in Virunga Massif.
Fossey spearheaded Rwanda’s world-renowned conservation efforts which are still a core part of the African country’s efforts to preserve its incredible wildlife. She which inspired the Academy Award-nominated film.
