Is Gorilla Trekking Ethical?
In order to make sure that all gorilla safaris happen ethically, the Uganda Wildlife Authority and local stakeholders have created vast conservation initiatives and put protocols into place.
Gorilla trekking safari is the most well-liked wildlife excursion for tourists visiting Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is due to the fact that seeing primates up close is really thrilling. Many visitors come to Africa hoping to spend time with the people there as they go about their everyday lives in their natural habitats.
Some believe that excessive human interaction with primates attacks their personal space, puts them into danger for contracting illnesses, or, worse yet, causes them stress and makes them hostile. These individuals do not believe that using drones, cameras, or drone footage while gorilla trekking is ethical. The popular primatologist Dian Fossey firmly opposed gorilla tourism and up-close encounters with primates. She advocated for the same kind of isolation for gorillas in the wild.
Though Fossey and others may have a point, it’s crucial to keep in mind that gorillas are found in underdeveloped countries with little resources to safeguard the primates raised for uses other than tourism. Gorilla tourism is the only dependable way to raise the money needed for gorilla conservation. International wildlife agencies and local governments might still gather money in the absence of tourists, but this hasn’t been enough. If you read up on Fossey’s conservation initiatives, you’ll discover that government officials were less motivated to protect the primates because they saw no direct benefits. It’s possible that some of them even worked with poachers. The income generated by gorilla trekking from tourism gives local governments an incentive to protect the animals.
A gorilla permit, which costs 1500 USD in Rwanda, 800 USD in Uganda, and 450 USD in the Congo, is required in order to engage in gorilla trekking safari. The expensive permits contribute to the attempt to safeguard endangered species by limiting the daily number of visitors to the animals. In and of itself, gorilla trekking is ethical because it’s the sole means of generating the funds required for gorilla conservation-related endeavors.
The money earned from witnessing the primates has helped the three governments in funding gorilla conservation initiatives such as providing healthcare to sick individuals (in collaboration with the Gorilla Doctors), paying the salaries of Game Rangers, and conducting ongoing primate-related research. As a result, trekking with gorillas is morally right.
Because gorilla trekking is organized and follows very stringent guidelines, it is ethical. By following certain standards, gorilla trekkers can protect primates, protect their natural habitats, and avoid causing them any form of pain. During the gorilla trekking briefing, the Rangers always provide the guests the gorilla trekking rules or guidelines. These safety measures were implemented to protect the primates from possible dangers and threats.
It is noteworthy that the overall population of mountain gorillas has increased over time. For instance, the 1993 public opening of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda featured just one gorilla family, which has since expanded to 23. This was partly because most of the ex-poachers were retrained and employed as porters, game rangers, and guides. They are now the protectors of the primates. Thanks to gorilla tourism, many people in the neighboring towns have work, keeping them from having to leave their homes in quest of a better life. They are tour guides and hotel personnel. Some people sell their artwork to visitors to national parks in order to make the money required to cover entrance fees and buy food for their family.
As was previously indicated, the governments of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda now rely heavily on gorilla trekking as a source of revenue. A portion of the proceeds from gorilla trekking go towards building roads, schools, and hospitals as well as other self-supporting infrastructure for the local populations. The financial value of the treks has encouraged cooperation among the local populace in the protection and conservation of wildlife as well as increased public understanding of the importance of wildlife.
Thus, since gorilla trekking safari has helped in the development of numerous enterprises in the nations where the parks are located, we can draw the moral conclusion that it is acceptable. Poaching, the pet trade, and the persecution of gorilla groups have all been helped by gorilla trekking. If you leave the gorillas alone in the forest without any tourists, some people won’t understand the need of preserving their existence. Primates are seriously threatened by human encroachment on their habitat, poaching, and the pet trade if they are not protected.
Is Gorilla Trekking Ethical? The Rules, Regulations and Guidelines
Before your gorilla trek, your guide will give you a thorough briefing. During the briefing, your guide will go over the rules that you need to follow. These include:
Maintain an average distance of 7 meters from the gorillas to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
If you’re unwell, do not attend a trek.
Eat and drink away from the gorillas.
Never give the gorillas food.
Be careful not to drop any trash.
Stay away from the gorillas.
Try not to stare them in the eye directly as this may be interpreted as a challenge, which may make them angry.
If gorillas charge, look down, crouch down slowly, and be quiet.
Steer clear of any loud noises.
Do not purchase souvenirs made from wildlife products.
No flash photography, as this can scare them.
At all times, pay attention to what your guide has to say.