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Dianne Fossey’s Gorilla’s (RWANDA)

Surely we remember the biographical account of Dian Fossey’s life portrayed by Sigourney Weaver where for 18 years (since 1967) she observed the behaviors of mountain gorillas and their relationships to human beings in Central East Africa.

To reach the national park where The Karisoke Research Center for Mountain Gorillas was located, was not that easy at all. This national park in Rwanda’s border with Uganda and Zaire was a tough climb through a jungle- type natural formation.

However it was all worth it because for us, it was an exciting and fascinating experience to actually see this place and interact with these endangered mountain gorillas. We had a chance for a close encounter with these shy introvert animals. Of course, we were not that sure of having earned these gorillas’ trust as Dian did (for she earned it in 18 years) but we were determined for an eye contact and who knows maybe a hand contact (Dian being the first person to achieve voluntary hand contact).

However, we were told by the resort researchers that there were some substantial rules that we had to conform to during our close contact with the gorillas:

1. Never to stand higher than the gorilla itself, that is; always stay at the same standing height or lower than the gorilla to not intimidate or aggravate him

2. If by any reason, the gorilla starts groaning or displays an aggressive behaviour (which does not always mean it has an agressive motive) dont ever turn your back to it and run away. On the contrary, stay still and look into its eyes.

Our gorilla was not intimidated by us, nor did it show signs of irritation or offense. On the contrary, eye contact was at its peak and even though it displayed a shy attitude, our gorilla started to act playfully around us.
We were not scared by the mountain gorillas, but were scared to hear how endangered they were because of poaching in the past. According to the information we got from the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, slightly more than 600 mountain gorillas survive in Central East Africa.

Rwanda Tours

Dianne Fossey’s Gorilla’s in the Mist