There are only 1,063 mountain gorillas left in the wild.
Become a Gorilla Defender
In the misty mountains of Uganda’s lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, some of the world’s last mountain gorillas cling on for survival. Only 1,063 magnificent mountain gorillas remain on the planet, and nearly half of these can be found in Uganda. Tragically, these great apes live under the ever-present shadow of extinction. If it was not for the 24/7 protection of the dedicated Human Gorilla Conflict Resolution Team (HUGO), along with rangers and trackers, there is no doubt the mountain gorillas would be wiped from the face of the planet by poachers.
But these brave and committed gorilla protectors lack resources and are in desperate need of help. That is why Viva! UK and Viva! Uganda have joined forces to establish Gorilla Defenders – a small but active organisation on the frontlines of gorilla conservation, doing everything in its power to support and protect the gorilla protectors. But we can’t do it without you. Every penny you give goes directly to Gorilla Defenders. Become a Gorilla Defender today!
Donate to become a Gorilla Defender today
Discover fascinating facts about mountain gorillas, including family structure, daily routines and how they communicate.
Learn all about the threats faced by Uganda’s mountain gorillas including poaching, habitat loss and disease.
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Our mission
Our mission, with your help, is to ensure the survival of Bwindi’s mountain gorillas and to protect the protectors.
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Fundraise
Our fundraisers run marathons, cycle long distances, and come up with creative ideas to raise money for Gorilla Defenders UK.
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Our projects
With your support. Gorilla Defenders will directly supply HUGO teams with essential equipment in Bwindi National Park.
Who We Are
Viva! UK collaborates with Viva! Uganda to protect gorillas and their habitats. While Viva! Uganda runs the Gorilla Defenders program in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Viva! UK provides funding, resources, and awareness here at home.
This partnership ensures local conservation efforts in Uganda thrive, safeguarding endangered gorillas while supporting nearby communities. Together, we connect UK support with critical action on the ground.
A Viva! UK and Viva! Uganda collaboration
“Viva! Uganda and Viva! UK have joined together to become a force for good, for kindness, for sanity – to save the mighty mountain gorillas. And we urge people everywhere to join with us.”
Viva! UK is a leading campaigning charity, specialising in the impact of what we eat on animals, our health and our planet. Founded in 1994 by zoologist and nutritional therapist Juliet Gellatley, we have spent over 30 years creating a kinder, more sustainable world for humans and animals alike.
Viva! Uganda is a non-profit organisation passionate about advocating respect and kindness for life – animal and humans alike. We run on-the-ground impactful projects such as providing nutritious school lunches, and campaigns such as Gorilla Defenders to protect mountain gorillas and KindHeart – a major school initiative encouraging kindness to animals.