The number of mountain gorillas in the wild is dwindling. This is due to various factors. They have lost their habitat due to the increasing number of the human population that have encroached on their land. Many have been poached for their hands, heads and feet that are sold as ashtrays and souvenirs. Occasionally snares left for small animals have caused death or injury to them. Many of them were also killed during the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In order to save the gorilla the African Wildlife Foundation are teaming up with other partners; the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, Flora & Fauna International and the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature. As a result of this partnering, the population of gorilla has grown by more than 15%.

By educating and equipping the park staff, as well as the wardens and rangers with technology, this too is helping protect these beautiful animals. Of course tourism is a big factor in providing support for all of these endeavours. Without these much needed funds, none of the above would be possible.