Uganda’s gorilla guardian: Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka’s conservation crusade
KAMPALA, Uganda (MNTV) – Deep in the forests of southwestern Uganda, Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka has spent decades safeguarding one of the world’s most endangered species: the mountain gorilla.
As Uganda’s first wildlife veterinarian and a trailblazer in conservation, her work has transformed human-wildlife relationships and brought global attention to the region’s ecological riches.
According to a report by CNN, Kalema-Zikusoka’s passion for gorillas began during a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. At that time, the country was emerging from years of political turmoil, and wildlife conservation was a low priority.
Determined to make a difference, she founded Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH) in 2003, an organization that bridges human and animal health to protect endangered species.
Her innovative approach connects the well-being of local communities to the survival of gorillas. Recognizing that disease transmission from humans to primates posed a grave risk, CTPH provides healthcare, education, and sustainable economic initiatives for villages near protected areas.
Under Kalema-Zikusoka’s leadership, gorilla populations have stabilized, and poaching has significantly declined. Today, Uganda boasts more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, a remarkable achievement given the species’ precarious status just decades ago.
Her work has earned international accolades, including the United Nations Environment Programme’s Champion of the Earth award. Yet, she remains rooted in the communities she serves, tirelessly advocating for a conservation model that uplifts both people and wildlife.
“Protecting gorillas means protecting the people too,” says Kalema-Zikusoka. “Their futures are intertwined.”
The success of Uganda’s conservation efforts also boosts eco-tourism, bringing vital income to rural areas. Visitors from around the world trek into Bwindi’s misty hills, not only for a glimpse of the majestic primates but also to support a sustainable future for the region.
Kalema-Zikusoka’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and hope. In a world where human development often threatens the natural world, she offers a powerful example of coexistence and shared destiny.
As global challenges like climate change loom large, her message resonates far beyond Uganda’s borders: that the health of the planet’s most vulnerable creatures is deeply linked to our own.
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