It’s been a year of the highest highs and the lowest lows.
What a year. For the Fossey Fund, 2023 has brought some of the greatest growth we’ve seen to date. Whether it was for our staff, gorilla and biodiversity protection, community initiatives, scientific research and student programs, we are so grateful for how much progress and hope we’ve experienced this year. Yet, through all of our positives, it’s also been a very challenging year to keep gorillas safe.
Read the 2023 Impact Report!
Habitat biodiversity means there are so many wonderful neighbors living with the gorillas. …but golden monkeys might win the prize for most adorable!
World Monkey Day was Dec. 14 – just in time for some of the cutest golden monkey infants you ever did see! Golden monkeys are the only other primate species who live within the mountain gorillas’ biodiverse habitat in the Virunga mountains. Here at the Fossey Fund, endangered golden monkeys are also a focus of our protection and conservation programs.
And how could you not love them? These adorable, spunky animals are currently in the midst of their birthing season. Unlike gorillas, who mate and give birth year round, golden monkeys reproduce seasonally, which correlates to the availability of their favorite snack – bamboo.
Learn more about golden monkeys and their birthing season!
Silverback Itorero demonstrated his chestbeat a little too convincingly for female Ubufatanye’s taste.
Well… that didn’t go well. Chest beats act as a multifaceted expression of communication for gorillas: they can be a sign of aggression, dominance or play. In this video clip, Itorero reminds Ubufatanye who is boss. Don’t worry: everyone is just fine!
Watch the (unfortunate) moment in action!
