Gorilla Defenders

In the heart of Africa’s rugged embrace sits the iconic mountain gorilla, one of our closest primate relatives of which we share 98% of our DNA! These gentle guardians of Uganda’s rainforests are extremely intelligent, very communicative and have advanced problem-solving abilities. 

Yet they are critically endangered; ever since their discovery mountain gorillas have faced poaching, civil wars, deforestation and persistent encroachment on their territory at the hands of humans. This has led to a drastic fall in their wild population, hitting a low of 254 in 1981, with today’s population sitting at just 1,063. The mountain gorilla is in danger from poachers and through encroachment and habitat loss from the illegal forest trade, often forcing them to migrate through areas that poachers frequent.

Uganda is home to half of the mountain gorillas left on our planet. We must protect them.

And although it is people who have been the mountain gorillas biggest threat to survival, it is by working with the local community that offers their best hope.

Protecting the protectors

This is why Viva! is collaborating with HUGO (Human & Gorilla Conflict Resolution teams), with the fantastic collaboration of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, to supply the much-needed equipment to the wonderful volunteers who protect the critically endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park.

Not only are we supplying vital equipment but Viva!’s Gorilla Defenders are helping support the training of over 100 HUGO volunteers in gorilla behaviour, tracking and containment, keeping the great apes securely within the forest areas where they can be protected, to ensure the gorillas aren’t exposed to local poachers or other human-wildlife conflict. The HUGO volunteers are also trained to monitor the health of the gorillas, looking for signs of sickness and to collect faecal samples for testing.

Yet, these volunteers, charged with such an important task are underequipped, trekking in worn down boots and tattered coats, lacking walkie talkies while having to brave the wilderness with little protection due to a lack of tents when tracking prevents them from going home at night. Viva! Uganda was invited to help the mountain gorillas though supporting HUGO, by the UWA, to get the necessary equipment for the volunteers to be able to protect the gorillas to the best of their ability.

The power of your support

We are excited to announce that the HUGO Volunteer Equipment Project is now 100% complete. Thanks to your incredible generosity, we successfully raised £32,000, allowing us to fully equip all 160 HUGO volunteers with the tools they need to protect Uganda’s endangered mountain gorillas.
This achievement is a powerful reminder of what compassionate people can accomplish together.

What Your Support Made Possible:
Your donations ensured that every HUGO volunteer received high-quality, durable equipment designed to keep them safe, motivated, and effective in the field.

Protective Gear
• 160 insulating jackets
• 160 rainproof coats and trousers
• 160 pairs of gumboots

Safety & Preventative Materials
• 200 boxes of surgical gloves
• 30 first aid kits

Field & Tracking Equipment
• 160 water bottles
• 160 flasks with lunchboxes
• 40 torches
• 40 camping tents
• 20 backpacks
• 40 stress-relief tools
• 12 data-collection tablets
• 3professional field camera
• Stationery & Documentation
• 180 pens
• 4 printers
• 30 hardback tracking journals

Impact on the Ground
The equipment has been distributed directly to all 160 HUGOs, who were overjoyed to be recognised, supported, and empowered. With your help, these dedicated volunteers can patrol safely, document wildlife more effectively, and reduce human–gorilla conflict across the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest sectors, including Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Mugahinga.
Your support has strengthened both gorilla conservation and the welfare of the local guardians who protect them.

Thank You!
This project could not have been completed without you.
Together, we have equipped an entire force of community conservation heroes and given gorillas a safer future

“I am overjoyed. I thank you. Please send my gracious appreciation to the UK.” – Joseph

“This makes me happy; all your help is very well received.” – David

“I will now be warm when I meet my fellow gorillas. Their conservation is very important to me.” – George

This collaborative project is managed on the ground by Viva! staff who ensure that the equipment arrives on time and that everything goes where it’s needed; with every piece of equipment making the HUGO volunteers jobs easier.

On top of supplying equipment, Viva! Uganda and HUGO will be running an informative campaign in local dialects around Bwindi National Park to ensure that local communities support the protection of the beloved mountain gorillas. 

Although we have already achieved so much, there is still a lot to do. Half of the HUGO volunteers received nothing! Let’s put this right.

Viva! UK and Viva! Uganda have collaborated to bring you a new website dedicated to protecting mountain gorillas.

Related content