More about Mountain gorillas

Mountain gorillas share up to 98% of their DNA with us. They live in close family groups and are usually led by one dominant silverback male.

Location: The mountain ranges which span the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Habitat: High altitude cloud forests ranging from 1,100 – 4,000 metres above sea level.

Wild population: Around 880 remain in the wild.

The threats to mountain gorillas

• Mountain gorillas are often the accidental victims of snares set to catch other animals.
• Destruction of their forest habitat
• Catching diseases from people entering the forest
• Poaching of baby gorillas for the illegal pet trade
• Conflict with people

How your adoption can help:

• £15 could buy one first aid kit and mosquito net for one dedicated anti-poaching ranger who risks his life to protect mountain gorillas in the uplands of Rwanda
• £120 (or £10 per month) could buy one year’s supply of clothing and equipment for a ranger e.g. waterproof clothing, sleeping bag, boots and rucksack
• £240 (or £20 per month) Could help buy a hand held radio for a park ranger’s post in Virunga National Park

WWF’s work is carried out as part of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) with Fauna and Flora International, the African Wildlife Foundation, and the three governments of the region

Ihoho 

The name Ihoho means ‘of incomparable beauty’ which is how mountain gorillas are considered in Rwanda.

Ihoho is a male baby mountain gorilla, born on 14th August 2011. He is a member of the Susa family group, living in Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Mountains, Rwanda.

Ihoho represents all the mountain gorillas we help.

All our mountain gorilla adopters ‘adopt’ Ihoho so that we can share his ongoing story with you. We hope that by following Ihoho’s progress, you can experience the challenges and success involved in conserving this iconic species.