The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, The Ellen DeGeneres Campus
You might have heard about the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International! Well, the body is a non-profit organisation located in Rwanda at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus near Volcanoes National Park. The gorilla fund was started in 1978 by Dian Fossey, a primatologist, with the sole purpose of conserving, protecting, and supporting the study of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area and across Africa. The main headquarters of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. In Africa, the body operates in Rwanda and, to a lesser extent, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The organisation was initially called the “Digit Fund” by Dian Fossey, and it was the main funder for Dian Fossey’s conservation campaigns and anti-poaching programs, where Dian Fossey was killed by the heartless poachers who opposed her conservation program.
After her death, the organisation’s name was changed to “Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund” in honour of her efforts. Even after her death, her campaigns and conservation campaign continue, spreading all over the world. It has seen the mountain gorilla population increase over time, offering hope for sustainable gorilla tourism worldwide.
Pillars of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
The fund aims to promote gorilla conservation, ensure sustainable gorilla tourism, and support the well-being of local communities near gorilla parks in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The four main pillars of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund include;
Protection of Mountain Gorillas
As said already, the main focus of the gorilla fund is protecting the endangered mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area and other gorilla regions. Field and anti-poaching team members have gone under training to spread the gospel of gorilla protection in their natural habitats in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Scientific Research
Another focus of the gorilla fund is ensuring funding for scientific research on gorillas and other wild animal species. The study has promoted advanced knowledge and effective conservation methods in East and Central Africa.
Conservation training and education
In addition, the Gorilla Fund International aims to train and educate the next generation about conservation and sustainable tourism.
Improve Local communities
The Dian Fossey Fund also collaborates with local communities near and around gorilla parks. The organisation supports local initiatives and education and provides basic needs, thereby improving local people’s standards of living.
How to partner with Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
You can partner with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International by supporting their programs and work. The best way to work is by donating. Donate to support any of their purposes. Also, you can choose to adopt a gorilla, run an online fundraising campaign, and personally visit the Ellen DeGeneres campus on your gorilla tour to Volcanoes National Park.
About the Ellen DeGeneres Campus
Situated in Kinigi, Musanze, northwestern Rwanda, near Volcanoes National Park, the Ellen DeGeneres campus is a permanent world-class headquarters for the Dian Fossey Research and the Gorilla Fund International in Rwanda.
The campus was established by the prominent Ellen DeGeneres with her wife and publicly launched in February 2022. MASS Design Group designed the eco-friendly, beautiful architecture. The campus covers 12 hectares.
- Visitor experiences at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus
- Self-Guided Tour of the Conservation Gallery
- Interactive Exhibits
- Dian Fossey’s Cabin Replica
- 360-Degree Theater
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
- Gorilla Café and Gift Shop
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla safaris. Covering 16 square kilometres of Land in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is a centre of gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The small country with a thousand hills is home to over 450 mountain gorillas, divided into 10 families. Each day, the Park receives roughly visitors coming to trek the endangered gorillas. Each year, the Rwanda Development Board hosts a gorilla naming ceremony, during which they name baby gorillas for easy identification.
Rwanda Development Board issues 80 gorilla permits each day for available travellers. In 2017, Rwanda doubled the cost of a gorilla trekking permit from $750 to $ 1,500, making it a luxury destination for gorilla tours. The gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park include the Agashya group, Umubano Group, Kwitonda Group, Amahoro Group, Hirwa Group, Pablo Group, Titus Group, Karisimbi Group, and Susa A group, among others.
Other safari activities in Volcanoes National Park
Besides gorilla trekking, Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of interesting activities. These include golden monkey trekking, Dian Fossey‘s graveyard hike, nature walks, visiting the Musanze caves, cultural tours to the Gorilla Guardian village, Bird watching, Twin Lakes, and hiking Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi, among others.
Our Rwanda safari packages include 1 Day Rwanda gorilla trekking, 5 Days Rwanda gorillas and chimpanzee safari, and 10 Days best of Rwanda safari, among others. Wild Travel customises your preferred Rwanda safari suiting your budget, travel dates, and interests.
