They use the 'one health' approach to conserving the species. This is a belief that the health of one species is inextricably linked to that of its entire ecosystem - including humans and other animal species. This is important as disease is often spread by villagers, who, earning an average of less than a pound a day, delve into the forest for resources such as water and bamboo, as well as to hunt bush meat.

Villagers watch the Gorilla Doctors treating an adult mountain gorilla as part of the Village of Hope project in Rwanda

The region the Gorilla Doctors operate in is one of the most turbulent in the world and has been marred by genocide and war. In the past six months the team have been unable to monitor the gorillas because M23 rebels, locked in a battle with Congolese government forces, have taken over much of the Virunga National Park. They cannot say if any gorillas have been killed in crossfire or hunted for meat during this period. However, the Gorilla Doctors believe most of the fighters see the financial and altruistic benefits of protecting the gorillas, and will not harm them indiscriminately.

A young gorilla hangs on to a branch in Congo



For the past 13 years the Gorilla Doctors have been led by Dr Mike Cranfield. Aside from increasing the gorilla populations, his proudest achievement is seeing talented African vets 'blossoming' and becoming independent.

Isangi the baby gorilla clings to Dr Martin Kabuyaya of the Gorilla Doctors at Virunga National Parks Senkwekwe Centre for orphan gorillas, in Rumangabo, Congo