Mountain Gorillas, Rwanda

I will never forget the first time I saw a Mountain Gorilla.  Eric and I went to Rwanda to photograph the Mountain Gorillas for our honeymoon.  After a long hike into the Virunga Mountains we came upon the big male silverback.  He was so massive and powerful, and yet so gentle. I will never forget the way his eyes met mine, and the connection that I felt in that moment. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

For many people, the Mountain Gorilla is one of the most iconic and beloved animals on the planet. Mountain gorillas are some of the most endangered animals in the world, with only around 750 individuals remaining in the wild. About half live in the Virunga Mountains, a range of extinct volcanoes that border the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. These gorillas are under constant threat from habitat loss, poaching, and disease. However, thanks to the efforts of conservationists and the Rwandan government, Mountain gorillas are slowly starting to recover.

Fortunately, Rwanda has been at the forefront of efforts to protect Mountain Gorillas, and the country has established a number of gorilla conservation initiatives. One of the most successful programs is the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, which provides medical care for sick or injured gorillas. The project has also worked to educate Rwandans about the importance of conserving Mountain Gorillas and other wildlife. Thanks to these efforts, Rwanda's Mountain Gorilla population is slowly beginning to recover