World Gorilla Day is celebrated annually on 24 September to raise awareness about the conservation of gorillas and their natural habitats. The day was established to honor the efforts made by scientists, conservationists, and organizations to protect these endangered great apes, particularly the mountain gorillas in Africa. It also commemorates the work of Dian Fossey, a pioneering primatologist who dedicated her life to studying and safeguarding gorillas, with the day coinciding with the founding of the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda by Fossey in 1967.
World Gorilla Day aims to educate the public about the threats facing gorillas, including habitat destruction, poaching, and diseases like Ebola. Gorillas are critically endangered, and efforts to protect them are vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. The day encourages support for conservation programs, wildlife protection policies, and sustainable practices to ensure the survival of gorillas for future generations.
Various activities take place globally, including fundraisers, educational events, and campaigns to adopt gorillas or support ranger programs, emphasizing the importance of preserving these magnificent creatures and their environment.