Karisoke Research Center | Gorilla Conservation in Rwanda

The Karisoke Research Center was founded by a woman named Dian Fossey, who set up two tents in the Virunga jungle to protect mountain gorillas from poachers. She worked hard to conserve these wild animals and established an internationally known research center for students and scientists from around the world.

Dian’s main goal was to study gorilla behavior and their environment, but her work was often interrupted by illegal activities in the park, like cattle grazing and poaching. This pushed her to take stronger actions beyond research, such as removing traps and stopping poachers.

She called this “active conservation.” Her efforts helped reduce the risk of extinction for the gorillas. After her death, her brave vision attracted many trackers, researchers, partners, and supporters worldwide to continue the fight to save the endangered mountain gorillas.

The name “Karisoke” was created by Dian by combining the names of two nearby mountains, Karisimbi and Bisoke. After her passing, scientists continued her work, using buildings near Volcanoes National Park.

Over time, Karisoke grew from just science and protection to include community work and training conservationists to protect the gorillas. In 2022, all activities moved to the new Ellen DeGeneres Campus under the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

This campus has over 100 expert gorilla trackers working daily to protect about half of Rwanda’s mountain gorilla families.

Karisoke holds the largest database on any wild species and organizes education programs to raise awareness among local people and leaders. Hundreds of local university students also take part in field courses and conservation training there. Research has expanded to study the biodiversity of the region, as the gorilla habitats also shelter many other important plants and animals.

The Karisoke Research Center carries a 55-year legacy of success and continues to attract conservationists from around the world.