October 2014 Newsletter

This month, Gorilla Doctors began making preparations for the impending move of orphan Grauer's gorilla Kalonge from the Senkwekwe Center to her new home at the GRACE sanctuary and treated the young orphan for a suspected respiratory infection. This month, we also highlight the work of our Rwanda Field Vet, Dr. Noel and feature Head DRC Field Vet Dr. Eddy's 3-week stint in the United States. The work of PhD student Dr. Alisa Kubala, who is conducting research on malaria in eastern gorillas alongside Gorilla Doctors in the DRC is showcased on the blog and Veterinary Pathologist Dr. Tanja Zabka completes a 6-month sabbatical to teach wildlife pathology in Uganda.

Dr Martin Treats Orphan Kalonge's Respiratory Illness

Orphan Grauer's gorilla Kalonge will soon be able to join other orphan gorillas of her own subspecies when she is transferred to the GRACE center in a collaborative operation between ICCN, Gorilla Doctors, and GRACE at the end of the year. To ensure the young gorilla is in good health and ready for her big move, Dr. Martin conducted an exam at the Senkwekwe Center this month and administered antibiotics to help her overcome a bout of respiratory illness.

Spotlight on Rwanda Field Veterinarian, Dr. Noel

This month, we feature our hard-working Rwanda Field Veterinarian, Dr. Noel! "This is a commitment. Our work is motivating. When you do it, you are always proud. It's something that makes you happy every day." Read more about Dr. Noel's work with Gorilla Doctors:

PhD Candidate Alisa Kubala Conducts Research on Malaria in Eastern Gorillas

Gorilla Doctors hosted Murdoch University PhD candidate and veterinarian Dr. Alisa Kubala in Rwanda and the DRC this year to conduct research on malaria in eastern gorillas. "A study of this size is certainly a team effort. Its successful completion will be a testament to the determination of Gorilla Doctors to support ambitious health research in order to provide the best possible medical care to the world's remaining eastern gorillas."

Dr. Eddy Travels to US for "Experience of a Lifetime"

This month, Gorilla Doctors DRC Head Field Vet Dr. Eddy Kambale spent 3 weeks in the United States, attending the annual Gorilla Doctors board meeting in Houston, a conservation gala fundraiser at the Houston Zoo, and the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians annual conference in Florida. Dr. Eddy was awarded a scholarship from the AAZV to cover his travel expenses and a host of Gorilla Doctors supporters also helped to make this memorable trip possible for the DRC Head Field Vet.

Dr. Tanja Zabka Teaches Wildlife Pathology in Uganda

Gorilla Doctors hosted a sabbatical for Roche Pharmaceuticals Veterinary Pathologist Dr. Tanja Zabka to help Dr. Dale Smith (University of Guelph) teach wildlife pathology to staff, students and colleagues in Kampala, Uganda this year. With Drs. Zabka and Smith's work, the foundation for an important Wildlife Pathology Network in the region has been laid and Gorilla Doctors, along with our partners at UWA and Makerere University, will continue to move this initiative forward.

Saving a Species, One Gorilla at a Time.

About Us

Powered by the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project and the UC Davis Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, Gorilla Doctors is dedicated to saving mountain and Grauer's gorilla lives through hands-on medical care and a One Health approach. Gorilla Doctors helps gorillas by monitoring their health, providing direct care to ill and injured gorillas, and by reducing the threat of human disease transmission.

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Research has proven that by intervening to save sick and injured mountain gorillas, the Gorilla Doctors has played a vital role in the population's dramatic increase over the last 10 years.

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Gorilla Doctors : Saving a Species. One Gorilla at a Time.

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As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we rely on donations from people like you to fund our hard work. Help us to protect these magnificent, critically endangered primates by making a donation.