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Gorilla Doctors

@gorilladoctors.bsky.social
170 followers 14 following 336 posts

Since 1986, the only organization keeping wild eastern #gorillas healthy via life-saving #veterinarymedicine #science & #onehealth Follow along! Based in: Rwanda, Uganda, DR Congo, USA

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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Second silverback Kalembezi was also showing signs of reduced weight. Meanwhile, the rest of the group appeared to be in good visual health. Both Kashasha and Kalembezi will be closely monitored in case veterinary intervention is needed.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Kanywani group calm and busy feeding when Dr. Fred checked on them last week in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. All members of Kanywani group, including Kamushongi's infant, were in good visual health.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Fortunately, none of the gorillas during this outbreak required supportive treatment. We will continue close monitoring of the group until the outbreak is fully resolved.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Since 9/24, we have been closely monitoring a respiratory illness outbreak in Isimbi group, a family of 25 mountain gorillas in Volcanoes NP, Rwanda. Dr. Adrien checked on the group on 10/1 and found that only 4 were still exhibiting signs of illness, which did not affect their activity levels.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Dr. Adrien recorded this adorable clip of an infant climbing a tree during a recent routine health check on Kwitonda group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Watch til the end! (Don’t worry, the infant was totally fine!)
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Dr. Fred visited the mountain gorillas of Mukiza group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda on September 27. For the duration of the health check visit, all 21 gorillas were calm while they rested and fed on plants in the area. The group was in good visual health.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
What does it take to solve a health mystery in a wild gorilla? During routine health checks, our veterinarians look for subtle changes in behavior, movement, and body condition that may signal illness or injury. But this only tells part of the story: gorilladoctors.org/solving-health-mysteries
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
These monitoring visits are an important part of the veterinary care provided by our team. By regularly observing gorillas in their natural environment, our vets can assess changes in their health, track how symptoms progress within a group, and determine whether medical intervention is needed.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
During monitoring visit, our vets closely assessed the group for signs of illness, observing 7 gorillas occasionally coughing. Fortunately symptoms remained mild and all members of the group continued to show normal behavior and energy levels so Nyakagezi group will continue to be closely monitored.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Earlier this month, Dr. Ricky and project veterinarian Dr. John responded to reports from trackers that two members of Nyakagezi group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — subadult female Ndola and her mother, Nshuti — were showing signs of respiratory infection.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
WE DID IT! 🦍 For 40 years, we've gone to the gorillas so they can thrive. Thanks to the Berson-Murray Family and all who donated, we met our $100,000 match for gorilla health! Happy #WorldGorillaDay, because every day is Gorilla Day at Gorilla Doctors 💚
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Decades ago, Dian Fossey called for a vet to help save mountain gorillas. That call became Gorilla Doctors. Today there are more than 1,000 mountain gorillas, and veterinary care has helped make it possible. 🦍 Tomorrow is #WorldGorillaDay, and we have BIG news. Stay tuned! 👀
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Fortunately it appeared that the group was already showing signs of improvement. Silverback Kaganga and blackback Nyakashunzu were the only ones left showing some signs of residual coughing, and will be closely monitored for any worsening respiratory symptoms. The others were in good visual health.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
On September 3, trackers reported a respiratory outbreak among several mountain gorillas of Oruzogo group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. The next day, Dr. Nelson conducted a monitoring visit on the group to assess the symptoms of the affected gorillas.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Regular health checks allow our veterinarians to track even subtle changes in appearance, movement, and behavior over time, helping us determine when something simply needs continued monitoring or may require veterinary care.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Dr. Ricky noted some browning of the haircoats of a few adult females, which our team will closely monitor. 1 female was also observed with a somewhat hyperextended elbow. She showed no signs of injury or pain, and this can be a normal anatomical variation seen in both mountain gorillas and humans.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Dr. Ricky recently visited Mucunguzi group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda for a routine health check of the 20-member mountain gorilla family. Throughout the visit, all members of the group were bright, alert, and exhibiting normal behaviors.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
ANOTHER $10,000 FOR GORILLAS 🎉 One week until World Gorilla Day but we are already celebrating because we’ve met our $40,000 match and the Berson-Murray Family just added another $10,000 for us to match by Sept 30.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Routine health checks allow Gorilla Doctors to closely monitor the health of individual gorillas and their families over time, an important part of providing life-saving veterinary care to this endangered population.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Led by silverback Baseka, Rugendo group comprises of 3 silverbacks, one blackback, 5 adult females, 3 subadults, 3 juveniles, and 5 infants. Our veterinarians were able to visually assess the entire family, and all 20 gorillas appeared to be in good health.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Dr. Fabrice and project veterinarian Dr. Reginald trekked nearly two hours into Virunga National Park, DR Congo, to conduct a routine health check on the 20 mountain gorillas of Rugendo group.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Our very own Dr. Eddy is featured in chapter two as he travels to Virunga National Park in DR Congo to treat a sick silverback mountain gorilla.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Nora Nickum's latest book for teenagers, Wild Medicine: Inventing Ways to Save Endangered Animals, was released today, and Gorilla Doctors is honored to be included alongside a menagerie of endangered animals and the dedicated people working to save them.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
After 90 minutes of hiking, they found the gorillas calm and active. They were alternately feeding, moving, and resting with all appearing to be in good visual health!
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
On a sunny day last week, Dr. Fabrice and project veterinarian Dr. Reginald checked on Nyakamwe group, a family of 17 mountain gorillas (including 3 silverbacks and 4 babies!) in Virunga National Park, DR Congo.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Each member was examined for visual signs of illness or injury, with particular attention to the group's newest arrival: adult female Kamushongyi's newborn, whose sex was confirmed as female during this visit. The entire group, including the new infant, was found to be in good visual health.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
On a recent visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, our veterinary team carried out a routine health check on Kanywani group, a family of 16 mountain gorillas.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Today, Rwanda celebrates its 21st Kwita Izina — the annual naming ceremony for mountain gorilla infants and a tribute to the country's long-standing conservation efforts. This year, 24 infants born in Volcanoes National Park over the past year are being named.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
This past Monday, Dr. Adrien checked on Kwitonda group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Though silverbacks Kataza, Karevuro, and Karibu had some minor superficial wounds, the overall group was in good visual health.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
IT'S ON 🦍 Every gift DOUBLED, today–Sept 30 $20 becomes $40 Tap link to give: connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/6cb79...
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
September is a BIG month for Gorilla Doctors and our gorilla patients. Stay tuned and if you aren't already on our email list - now is the perfect time to sign up! We won't flood your inbox or share your information and you can unsubscribe anytime! Sign up now: lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/mvRkJz6
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Drs. Fred + Gloria recently rescued an infant gorilla with a snare wrapped around her arm. Only 4 years old, this was the 2nd time we've intervened to save her. In 2025, Dr. Ricky performed surgery on her foot after she was injured in a fight between 2 blackbacks. gorilladoctors.org/snare-rescue...
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
En route to Busingye group in Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Drs. Ricky + John slipped ~30 meters down a steep slope; fortunately, they were OK! They assessed 5 adult females + silverback Mutatine, who were all showing signs of GI parasites. They will be treated + continue to be closely monitored.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Dr. Ricky checked on silverback Muyambi as part of continued monitoring for his recovery after undergoing surgery last month. Drs. Nelson and Gloria had surgically repaired his lip after Muyambi sustained a serious injury that could have impaired his ability to eat and was high risk for infection.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Myrianthus, an infant mountain gorilla in Christmas group, was reported with a suspected left arm fracture. Dr. Fred, accompanied by project vets Drs. Gloria and John, entered Bwindi Impenetrable NP to check on her. The infant’s left arm was swollen with a small necrotic wound at the elbow joint.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Dr. Fred + project vets checked on Mucunguzi group in Bwindi Impenetrable NP. Apart from female Aronda who is currently being treated for GI parasites, the other 19 gorillas of the group were in good visual health. Aronda will continue to be monitored + treated with deworming doses per our protocol.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
On August 10, Dr. Fred checked on the 15 mountain gorillas of Nkuringo group in Bwindi Impenetrable NP. This group also has a new member: a 2-week old infant! All members of the group appeared to be in good health.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
During a recent check on Kwitonda group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, Dr. Adrien had the opportunity to observe adult female Ireme with her new infant (born on August 7). This birth has grown the group to 21 members! All observed members of the group appeared to be in good visual health.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
That interaction resulted in a severe lip injury to Muyambi that was operated on by Drs. Nelson and Gloria and is continuing to heal well. Fortunately for Kanywani, he only sustained minor scratches during that encounter.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Last week, Dr. Ricky checked on the 4 members of Kanywani group in Bwindi Impenetrable NP. All members of the group appeared to be in good health. Last month, this group’s lead silverback Kanywani had a significant interaction with another group’s lead silverback, Muyambi.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Last week, Dr. Adrien checked on the 14 mountain gorillas of Amahoro group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Silverbacks Gahinga, Ibigwi, + Abashyitsi were observed with small superficial wounds. The rest of the group appeared to be in good visual health and will continue to be closely monitored.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
When a mountain gorilla named Kashayu in Busingye group started showing signs of a heavy gastrointestinal parasite load (characterized by hair loss and worsening body condition), Dr. Ricky entered Bwindi Impenetrable NP on July 31 to administer the first round of deworming medication via dart.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
During the visit, Kureba group approached Titus group until the 4 silverbacks (Kureba group silverback and the three Titus group silverbacks) ended up in a stand-off (pictured).
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Dr. Gaspard checked on the Titus group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda and found the 10 mountain gorillas in good visual health aside from minor, healing wounds on silverback Ndizeye and blackback Ishimwe.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Dr. Adrien captured this playful moment during a routine health check on Izuba group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Wishing everyone a nice weekend! Pictured: Adult female Muhabura with her infant in the branches above
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Fast forward to now where Rwamutwe’s wound has fully healed as he continues to lead Nkuringo group!
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
THEN + NOW: In February, dominant silverback Rwamutwe of Nkuringo group in Bwindi Impenetrable NP sustained a traumatic injury to his face after an interaction with silverback Tabu. Dr. Nelson went to check on Rwamutwe and administered medications given the high risk of infection to the open wound.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
On July 30, project veterinarian Dr. Ruth visited Ntambara group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda for a routine health check. Apart from a minor wound to blackback Iyamarere’s eye, the rest of the group members were in good visual health. Pictured: silverback Twibuke
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Dr. Fred + project vet Dr. Gloria entered Bwindi Impenetrable NP last month to check on Busingye group. Adult female Mutuza had some slight hair loss but otherwise exhibited normal activity levels. The rest of the group was in good visual health. Mutuza’s condition will be closely monitored.
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Gorilla Doctors @gorilladoctors.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Fortunately, the buffaloes were successfully deterred from the area and the health check was able to proceed safely. Nyakagezi group was in good visual health. Pictured: juvenile Ndiza and silverback Ndungutse
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