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There are two main types of gorilla, each containing several subspecies. The mountain gorilla is a type of eastern gorilla species (which also includes the Grauer’s – or eastern lowland – gorilla) and is found in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a total population of only about 700 gorillas. Western gorillas are found in west and central Africa, and include the western lowland gorilla, which is the species commonly found in zoos, and the Cross River gorilla, with a tiny population in the 200s.

Because of the extensive research begun by Dr. Dian Fossey in the 1960s and since carried on by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, the mountain gorilla is perhaps the best understood of all wild gorilla populations.

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International closely monitors several groups of mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans. Staff at the Karisoke Research Center visit the mountain gorilla groups daily and report on their activities, as well as conducting anti-poaching patrols. Other gorilla groups designated for eco-tourism are also regularly monitored.