Today in Focus The comeback of the mountain gorilla
Oct 29, 2025
Patrick Greenfield, a biodiversity reporter for The Guardian, takes us on a journey through the Virunga mountains, where he explores the remarkable recovery of mountain gorillas. He shares insights about the vibrant local culture, including a lively naming ceremony prior to his trek. Greenfield highlights the vital role of Gorilla Doctors in veterinary care and profiles dedicated trackers monitoring these incredible animals. He discusses the balance between tourism and conservation, revealing how protective measures helped elevate the gorilla population from near extinction to thriving once more.
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Surprising Gorilla Naming Ceremony
- Patrick Greenfield arrived at a raucous naming ceremony rather than the quiet forest he expected.
- Celebrities and Rwanda's First Lady named baby gorillas at a festival-style event with music and stage performances.
Dawn Hike Into 'Islands In The Sky'
- Patrick recounts an early-morning hike through villages toward the Virunga mountains at sunrise.
- The group entered a distinct boundary where human settlement abruptly ended and the forest began.
Legal Protection Sparked Recovery
- Mountain gorillas fell to about 200–250 due to logging and snares in the 1970s–80s.
- Legal protection and habitat designation from 1991 enabled structured conservation and recovery.