September 24, 2026 — World Gorilla Day: History and Facts About These Animals

World Gorilla Day is celebrated every year on September 24—an international awareness and conservation event dedicated to these great primates. It was established in 2017 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Karisoke Research Center, which Dian Fossey founded in Rwanda. On this day, people discuss the lives of gorillas, the threats to their populations, and ways to help conserve these animals and their natural habitat.

 

World Gorilla Day is observed annually on September 24. It is not a national holiday or an official UN day, but rather an international conservation initiative that brings together zoos, scientists, conservation organizations, and people interested in wildlife protection. The main goal of the day is to draw attention to gorillas, share more about their lives, and remind people that some gorilla populations are under very serious threat.

 

The date was not chosen at random. It was on September 24, 1967, that researcher Dian Fossey arrived in the mountainous region of Rwanda and founded the Karisoke Research Center. There, she began her long-term study of mountain gorillas. Fifty years later, in 2017, this date was chosen to mark the launch of World Gorilla Day. Thus, the observance is connected not only to the animals themselves but also to the history of modern science and gorilla conservation.

 

The organizers emphasize that this day should be more than just an excuse to look at photos of cute baby gorillas. Its main purpose is to move from curiosity to concrete action. People are informed about why gorillas need large natural habitats, what dangers human activities pose, and how they can support conservation projects.

Who Started Gorilla Day

One of the key organizations involved in the creation of World Gorilla Day was the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This organization carries on Dian Fossey’s legacy and is dedicated to gorilla research and conservation. In 2017, an international consortium of zoos and conservation organizations joined the effort to establish this new observance. The first World Gorilla Day was celebrated on September 24 of that year.

 

This date held special significance for the organizers, as 2017 marked the 50th anniversary of the Karisoke Research Center. Over the past half-century, the center has become one of the most renowned sites for long-term research on mountain gorillas. The research initiated by Fossey has helped significantly improve our understanding of these animals’ behavior, their social bonds, and the challenges they face.

 

Dian Fossey became one of the most famous gorilla researchers. For years, she observed the animals in the wild and studied their groups. Her work was also closely linked to the fight against poaching. After her death in 1985, the research and conservation efforts did not stop. On the contrary, they grew into a major international movement for the protection of gorillas.

Why Gorillas Need Our Attention

At first glance, gorillas seem like animals that are almost impossible to harm. They are large, strong, and have a very powerful build. But physical strength does not protect them from deforestation, poaching, disease, and human activity. That is why the issue of preserving their natural habitats remains one of the main priorities for conservationists.

 

According to conservation organizations, the main threats to gorillas are habitat loss, poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and disease. Forests are shrinking due to agriculture, resource extraction, and other economic activities. As people increasingly use the areas where gorillas once lived, the animals are forced to come into contact with humans more often. This creates additional risks for both sides.

 

Disease is a particular problem. Humans and gorillas are very closely related, so some infections can be transmitted between humans and primates. For small populations, such outbreaks can have serious consequences. That is why special rules regarding distance and tourist behavior are in place when observing gorillas in the wild.

 

Illegal hunting also remains a danger. Gorillas can fall victim to poachers, as well as accidentally get caught in traps and snares set for other animals. Another problem is the illegal removal of infant gorillas from the wild for sale. This results in the deaths not only of the young animals themselves but also of adult gorillas who try to protect them.

Types of Gorillas

Gorillas are large, human-like primates. In the wild, they live only in Africa, and their populations are divided into several groups and subspecies. These include eastern and western gorillas, as well as mountain gorillas and Grauer’s gorillas. Mountain gorillas live in the mountain forests of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their range is very limited, so the conservation of each natural habitat is of great importance. Some of these animals live in national parks, where specialized conservation teams operate.

 

Gorillas live in groups. Usually at the center of such a group is an adult male, known as a “silverback.” He gets this name because of the distinctive silvery coloration of the fur on his back, which appears in adulthood. This is not a separate species of gorilla, but a term for a mature male. The group also includes females and young gorillas. Gorillas spend a lot of time together, grooming one another, playing, and socializing. Scientists have long observed their behavior and identified complex social bonds among group members.

Gorillas are much stronger than they appear

Gorillas are considered among the strongest primates. According to World Animal Protection, they can be about ten times stronger than a human. They need this strength not only for self-defense but also in their daily lives—for example, to move through the forest and forage for food. At the same time, gorillas primarily eat plant-based foods. Depending on the species and environment, they eat leaves, stems, shoots, bark, roots, grasses, and fruits. Western gorillas especially often eat fruits when they are available.

 

Gorillas spend much of the day foraging for food and resting. They also build nests to sleep in at night. Mountain gorillas may build a new nest out of vegetation every night, and as they move through the forest, they help disperse seeds. In this way, they influence the life of the forest ecosystem.

Gorillas are very intelligent and have their own habits

Gorillas do not simply repeat the same actions out of instinct. Researchers have observed complex social behavior and the ability to learn in them. In captivity, for example, gorillas have used objects as tools to reach food. Studies also show that different groups may have their own behavioral habits, which are passed down from one animal to another.

 

There is also a well-known gesture most often associated with gorillas: beating their chests with their hands. In reality, this is not simply a display of strength. Such a signal can be used during communication, particularly to intimidate a rival or attract attention. According to World Animal Protection, the sound of these beats can be heard from up to one kilometer away.

 

Despite their menacing appearance, gorillas interact extensively with one another within their group. Young animals play, adults care for them, and group members may groom one another. Such interactions help maintain social bonds. That is why modern gorilla research is important not only for zoology. It helps us better understand the behavior of great apes and how social bonds form in animals. For science, this also offers an opportunity to better understand the shared evolutionary history of humans and other great apes.

Have the mountain gorillas been saved?

The history of mountain gorillas shows that conservation programs can be effective. When Dian Fossey began working in the Virunga region in 1967, the mountain gorilla population there was very small. According to the Fossey Fund, there were approximately 480 mountain gorillas remaining in the Virunga Mountains at that time. By the 1980s, their numbers had dropped to about 240.

 

Eventually, the situation began to change. Thanks to the work of conservationists, rangers, veterinarians, and local communities, the mountain gorilla population gradually grew. The Fossey Fund notes that today there are already more than 600 mountain gorillas in that same region. This is one example of how sustained effort can make a difference. Forest protection, anti-poaching patrols, veterinary care, and animal monitoring make it possible to better protect the populations. At the same time, conservationists emphasize that even this positive trend does not mean the problem has disappeared.

 

Gorillas still need protection. Other gorilla populations remain under severe pressure due to deforestation, poaching, disease, and instability in their habitats. The IUCN continues to classify eastern and western gorillas as “high risk of extinction.”

How World Gorilla Day Is Celebrated

There is no single mandatory ceremony or tradition for this day. It is celebrated in different ways—depending on the country, organization, or zoo. The main focus is on education, raising awareness, and fundraising for gorilla conservation. Zoos may host special meet-and-greets with animal keepers and lectures by researchers. Visitors learn about gorilla behavior, their diet, and their lives in the wild. Special feeding sessions or activities may also be organized, during which visitors learn how the animals are cared for and engaged in zoos.

 

Another popular format is educational programs for children and schoolchildren. For example, the Fossey Fund conducts workshops for local communities, works with school environmental clubs, and engages children in environmental conservation. Such programs help explain that gorilla conservation depends not only on the work of rangers but also on people’s attitudes toward forests and wildlife.

 

Organizations also run awareness campaigns on social media. On this day, they post photos and videos of gorillas, share stories about specific animals, and showcase the work of the people who spend their days in the forest. These campaigns are often accompanied by calls to support conservation programs.

How Everyone Can Get Involved

One way to support gorillas is to help organizations dedicated to their protection. This can take the form of a charitable donation, volunteering, or participating in awareness campaigns. The Fossey Fund, for example, offers opportunities to support gorilla conservation programs, symbolically “adopt” an animal, and get involved in other initiatives. Another option is to be mindful of your use of electronics. Conservation organizations run campaigns to collect old phones and other electronics. This is linked to the mining of coltan and other materials used in the production of electronic devices. The idea behind these campaigns is to reduce the demand for new raw materials and draw attention to the impact of mining on natural habitats.

 

It’s also important not to support the illegal trade in wild animals. Gorillas cannot be kept as pets, and photos of wild primates kept for entertainment should not create demand for such practices. Conservation organizations advise supporting only responsible tourism that does not harm animals and helps local communities.

Why Protecting Gorillas Is Important for the Entire Forest

Conserving gorillas is not just a matter of saving a single species. Animals are part of complex ecosystems where every species plays a role. As gorillas move through the forest and feed on fruit, they can disperse seeds over significant distances. This helps plants spread and supports the forest’s natural regeneration. Protecting gorillas also means protecting their habitat—the forests, water, plants, and other animals that live nearby. When conservationists establish protected areas and safeguard them from illegal logging, it benefits more than just one primate population.

 

Local communities also play an important role. People living near forests depend on natural resources and the land, so conservation efforts must take their needs into account. That is why modern conservation programs strive to work together with local residents rather than simply imposing restrictions.

Interesting Facts About Gorillas

• Gorillas have very strong social bonds. They live in groups and interact with one another frequently. An adult male may act as the group’s protector, but this doesn’t mean he simply rules over all the other animals by force.

• The term “silverspined” does not refer to a separate species. It describes an adult male whose back fur turns silvery with age. Such a male may lead the group, protect it, and participate in raising the young.

• Gorillas are predominantly herbivorous. Their diet depends on the species and habitat, but it consists mainly of leaves, stems, shoots, bark, roots, grasses, and fruits. Despite their enormous size, they do not require a meat-based diet to maintain their strength.

• Mountain gorillas build new nests for the night. They can construct them on the ground or among the vegetation, using branches and leaves. This is yet another example of how animals adapt to their environment.

• One of the gorillas’ most famous gestures is chest-beating. This behavior can convey various signals and helps the animals communicate over long distances. It is this very gesture that has made gorillas one of the most recognizable species among the great apes.

Why September 24 Is Important

The date of World Gorilla Day brings together two stories. The first is the story of the gorillas themselves, who have lived in the forests of Africa for millions of years. The second is the story of the people who began systematically studying these animals and fighting for their survival. On September 24, 1967, Dian Fossey began her work in the Virunga region and founded the Karisoke Research Center. Fifty years later, in 2017, this very date was chosen for the first World Gorilla Day. Since then, September 24 has become an annual occasion to raise awareness about these animals and support conservation projects.

 

In 2026, World Gorilla Day falls on Thursday, September 24. On this day, various countries will host educational and charitable initiatives, and conservation organizations will encourage people to learn more about gorillas and support their protection.

 

This observance reminds us of a simple truth: even an animal that seems incredibly strong can be vulnerable to the large-scale changes caused by human activity. At the same time, the story of mountain gorillas shows that consistent conservation efforts can yield results. That is why September 24 is not just a day to talk about gorillas, but also an opportunity to remember that the preservation of wildlife depends on concrete actions taken by people.