Understanding Gorilla Trekking Ethics
Understanding Gorilla Trekking Ethics: Gorilla trekking is an eco-tourism guided activity that takes place in the dense forests of Africa where trekkers can get close and personal to gorillas in their natural environment. This popular tourism activity draw tourists from different parts of the world, but many travellers wonder and ask how ethical gorilla trekking is. Are there dangers related with the activity, both to gorillas and trekkers? In case risks prevail, how can we alleviate them? This article therefore, will guide you about the particulars especially the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking and how to guarantee it is done ethically.
Generally, gorilla trekking is considered an ethical, controlled ecotourism activity and to many it is considered a vital contribution to wildlife conservation, since it straightaway funds conservation efforts.
“In countries where such as Uganda, Rwanda, Congo, Gabon and others, where gorilla trekking takes place, tourism supports anti poaching initiatives, ranger salaries, community incentives, wildlife and habitat protection, among others.
However, this regulated gorilla trekking activity may become unethical if poorly handled, managed. If trekkers fail to follow the rules and regulations, for instance, if the group exceeds the recommended number of trekkers or if the trekking groups disrespect the environment and the animals, not maintaining a safer distance from these apes or a guide or group failing to carry out safe procedures, hence this can result into unfavourable consequences for the gorillas.
Contrary to this is that when strictly controlled and regulated, it offers the strongest economic potential for protecting mountain gorillas and their natural setting. More still, gorilla trekking tours are only unethical if the encounters become performative, not observational.
How Can Gorilla Trekking Activity Be Done Ethically?
Understanding Gorilla Trekking Ethics: Ethical gorilla trekking is as simple as respecting the apes you are observing. For instance, “There should be no intention or pressure to get close and personal to the animals, and no overcrowding, congestion or any behavior that might threaten or cause stress to the animals.”
Below are some great Dos and Don’ts trekkers should know when trekking these gorillas: These include avoiding eye contact with the gorillas, keeping a recommended or safe distance from them, and not mimicking any gorilla sounds, as these behaviors could trigger confusion or agitation.
“Ethical wildlife travel should ensure natural, respectful observation as opposed to entertainment for the viewers,” “If you are participating in a trek, make sure you do it in a way that is as unobtrusive to these great apes as possible.”
Risks of Gorilla Trekking to Humans
Understanding Gorilla Trekking Ethics: Research shows that there are very few risks to humans from gorilla trekking. While gorillas are energetic, massive, strong creatures, they’re usually calm and peaceful in nature. If a gorilla does act out, “it’s [typically] a lack of habituation.” Remember, these are wild animals in their own habitats. As humans, we are invading their premises and must be respectful of them. Most gorilla trekking safaris only involve gorillas that have been gradually habituated to tolerate human presence.
Silverback gorilla
If a gorilla displays signs of aggression, it’s crucial to remain calm and follow your guide’s instructions. “The more habituated the families are, the less likely they are to act out or become stressed.” “That said, several things can cause habituated families, and in particular, the males to react. The best advice is abide to the ranger guides and trackers who know these apes the best.”
Risks of Gorilla Trekking to Gorillas
When it comes to the gorillas themselves, there are some potential risks of this ecotourism activity. One in particular is the potential for fatal illnesses.
“The animals are very prone to human respiratory diseases, which makes them vulnerable to human diseases,”
Understanding Gorilla Trekking Ethics: According to a study published in the journal Springer, “Respiratory illness (RI) accounts for a large proportion of mortalities in mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei), and fatal outbreaks, including disease caused by human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections, have heightened concern about the risk of human pathogen transmission to this endangered species, which is not only critically important to the biodiversity of its ecosystem but also to the economies of the surrounding human communities.”
The study found that pathogenic human respiratory viruses are transmitted to gorillas from humans. This means that a potentially fatal illness can be introduced into the mountain gorilla population, leading to deaths among these animals.
“Hence why the management of these gorillas is so important “In Bwindi, for example, there are over 40 families, but only 10 have any interaction with people, while two more might be in the habituation process. That way, a big part of the population is kept back and shielded from humans and potential diseases.”
