There are only 1,063 mountain gorillas left in the wild.
Become a Gorilla Defender
In the misty mountains of Uganda, some of the world’s last mountain gorillas are hanging on to survival. Only 1,063 remain. Without the people protecting them every day, they could disappear forever.
HUGO volunteers, gorilla trackers and wildlife rangers are on the front line – monitoring gorillas, reducing conflict, protecting habitats and helping keep these remarkable animals safe. Viva! UK and Viva! Uganda created Gorilla Defenders to support them with the equipment, training, education and public awareness needed to make a real difference.
This is frontline conservation in action — and your support helps power it.
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.
Play Gorilla Defender anthem
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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.
Viva! UK and Viva! Uganda work together to protect mountain gorillas and their forest home.
While Viva! Uganda leads the Gorilla Defenders programme on the ground in and around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Viva! UK helps raise funds, provide resources and inspire support here in the UK.
Together, we turn compassion into action for gorillas, forests and local communities.
“Viva! Uganda and Viva! UK have come together as a force for compassion, protection and hope — to help save the magnificent mountain gorillas. We invite everyone to stand with us.”
Viva! UK is a leading campaigning charity exposing the impact of what we eat on animals, our health and the planet. Founded in 1994 by zoologist and nutritional therapist Juliet Gellatley, we have spent more than 30 years working to create a kinder, healthier and more sustainable world for all.
Viva! Uganda is an NGO promoting compassion and respect for all life – animals and people alike. We deliver impactful projects on the ground, from providing nutritious school lunches to running campaigns such as Gorilla Defenders, which helps protect mountain gorillas; KindHeart, a major schools programme inspiring kindness to animals; and H7: Love Your Heart for 7 Days, a campaign encouraging healthy eating.