In Uganda, Gorilla Poachers Now Are Gorilla Saviors

Mountain gorillas living in southeastern Africa once were a critically endangered species. But thanks to conservationists they're making a comeback. And reformed poachers, who used to kill them, are helping with the comeback too.

Over 1,000 gorillas now roam the mountain ranges of southwest Uganda. That’s largely due to a tourism program formed by conservationists. It's one that brings money into local communities. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park now is a haven for gorilla families. It's also a haven for human families who want to see the handsome creatures up close.   

The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's in a remote part of the region. It’s home to gorillas at ease with humans around them. Foreign tourists pay an $800 fee to get a glimpse of the primates in their natural habitat. Of that, $10 returns to the local community. The park and community have a deal to share profits. Up to 20% of all park fees also go to nearby governments. Local officials use the dollars for healthcare. They also use the money for water purification and other projects.  

The idea to bring tourists to the park started with conservationists and park rangers. They hoped to teach locals about the plight of the gorillas. They also hoped to teach locals how saving them, rather than poaching them, could bring in money. In doing so, they gave each creature a name. They also brought in poachers to connect up close with their prey. A group of 128 former poachers now serve as guards of the primates. They spread a message about how vital it is to save them.    

Park rangers helped some poachers reform and stop, former poacher Philemon Mujuni told The Associated Press. Mujuni said they now get money from the primates they may have killed.    

Reflect: What is something you’ve learned to care about more deeply after understanding how your actions can make a difference?

Gif of a gorilla courtesy @pbsnature on Giphy.