How Many Mountain Gorillas Are Left in the Wild in 2025?

How Many Mountain Gorillas Are Left in the Wild in 2025?

The mountain gorilla, one of the most iconic and endangered great apes on Earth, continues to capture the hearts of travelers and conservationists alike. Found only in the mist-covered forests of East and Central Africa, these gentle giants are among the rarest primates in the world. In 2025, their population stands at an estimated 1,063 individuals living in the wild, a number that symbolizes both a hard-won success story and a continuing conservation challenge.

A Brief History of Survival

Decades ago, mountain gorillas teetered on the brink of extinction. In the 1980s, fewer than 250 individuals were believed to remain in the wild. Poaching, habitat destruction, civil unrest, and disease outbreaks pushed them dangerously close to disappearing forever. But through international collaboration, community involvement, and responsible tourism, the species has slowly rebounded.

Today, mountain gorillas are found in only two regions: the Virunga Massif and the Bwindi Impenetrable–Sarambwe ecosystem. The Virunga region spans three countries — Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Congo’s Virunga National Park — while the Bwindi forest in Uganda connects to the Sarambwe Nature Reserve in eastern DR Congo. These isolated populations are all that remain of this majestic subspecies of eastern gorilla.

The 2025 Population Estimate

According to the latest combined surveys from conservation groups including the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), Fauna & Flora International (FFI), and national wildlife authorities, the current global wild population of mountain gorillas is approximately 1,063 individuals.

Of these:

• About 459 live in the Bwindi–Sarambwe ecosystem shared between Uganda and DR Congo.

• Around 604 inhabit the Virunga Massif, straddling Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo.

While the number may seem small, it represents a remarkable increase from past decades. This growth is attributed to intensive monitoring, anti-poaching patrols, veterinary care, community conservation programs, and well-regulated tourism. Every gorilla group is regularly observed, and their health, births, and movements are documented with scientific precision.

Why Mountain Gorillas Remain Endangered

Despite the encouraging rise in numbers, mountain gorillas are still classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their entire population is confined to just two small forested regions, making them extremely vulnerable to disease, habitat loss, and human conflict.

The greatest modern threats include:

• Disease transmission, particularly respiratory infections that can spread from humans to gorillas during close contact.

• Deforestation and encroachment around protected areas, reducing available habitat.

• Political instability and insecurity in parts of eastern DR Congo, which disrupt conservation work.

• Climate change, which could alter the delicate balance of their mountain forest ecosystems.

Every single gorilla counts — and the stability of their population depends on the continuous protection of these few remaining habitats.

The Role of Responsible Tourism

One of the most powerful tools for mountain gorilla conservation has been eco-tourism. In Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, limited numbers of tourists are allowed to visit habituated gorilla families each day under strict rules. These visits generate significant revenue that funds park management, community development, and conservation research.

Each trekking permit, whether for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, or Virunga, contributes directly to the gorillas’ survival. In Uganda, for instance, 20% of permit fees go to local communities living near the parks, giving them a vested interest in protecting the forests rather than exploiting them.

However, tourism also comes with responsibility. To protect the gorillas, visitors are required to:

• Maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters from the animals.

• Avoid trekking if they feel unwell, to prevent transmitting diseases.

• Limit visit times to one hour per group.

• Follow all guidance from park rangers and trackers.

This careful management ensures that gorilla encounters remain sustainable while maintaining the animals’ natural behavior and health.

Uganda’s Central Role in Gorilla Conservation

Uganda plays a leading role in the survival of mountain gorillas, hosting half of the world’s remaining population. The country’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone is home to over 20 habituated gorilla families, each with unique dynamics and personalities. Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, though smaller, is equally significant and forms part of the transboundary Virunga conservation area.

Organizations such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, and Gorilla Doctors work tirelessly to protect the species through health interventions, anti-poaching patrols, and genetic research. These efforts, supported by tourism revenue, have made Uganda one of the most important sanctuaries for the species’ continued survival.

Looking Ahead — The Future of Mountain Gorillas

The survival of mountain gorillas in 2025 is one of the most celebrated conservation achievements in Africa. But the work is far from over. Conservationists stress that maintaining and improving the current population will require constant vigilance. Emerging threats like new diseases, habitat encroachment, and global climate shifts could easily undo decades of progress.

Continued cooperation between governments, NGOs, and local communities will determine whether the species continues its upward trend or slips back into decline. Public awareness and responsible travel will remain crucial. Every visitor who treks to see a gorilla family plays a small but vital part in ensuring their story continues for future generations.

Conclusion

With just over a thousand mountain gorillas left in the wild, each individual represents an extraordinary triumph of conservation. From the misty slopes of Bwindi to the volcanic forests of Virunga, these apes remind us how interconnected our fates are with nature. The progress made so far is a story of hope, perseverance, and collaboration — proof that when humanity works together, even the most endangered species can recover.

Visiting Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo for a gorilla trek isn’t just a bucket-list adventure; it’s a direct contribution to one of the greatest wildlife success stories of our time.