Is Gorilla trekking ethical? Gorilla Trekking is the most popular activity for tourists visiting Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Meeting up with these creatures is the most incredible life experience one shouldn’t miss while on African Safaris. Gorilla trekking involves in time to spend with them in their natural habitants as they go about their daily lives as they attract many tourists to Africa.
Fortunately, those who argue that excessive human exposure around the primates is an invasion of their privacy and could expose them to certain diseases, make them uncomfortable or become aggressive. Do not think photographing gorillas, filming or using drones is ethical during gorilla trekking.
When it comes to the great works of primatologists Dian Fossey who started up a research center on how to get close to the primates. She also recommended that gorillas should be left alone in the wild.
Truly it is important to consider that gorillas live in poor countries with lack of enough funds to save the primates raised outside tourism. Gorilla Tourism is the only reliable way to handle resources necessary for gorilla conservation. There are other organizations which have raised up to support the gorilla conservation as well as local government. Note, the government officials were less motivated to protect the primates because they didn’t see any direct benefits to them. Some intend to convince with poachers. Gorilla trekking has impacted a lot in tourism through revenue which is a motivation for the local government to protect the primates.
One to be part of gorilla trekking must obtain a gorilla permit which goes; Rwanda Gorilla Permit costs USD1500, Uganda Gorilla Permits USD700 and USD400 in Congo. The permits may be expensive but worth it. More so, gorilla trekking is the only way to generate funds needed for gorilla conservation related activities thus making gorilla trekking ethical.
The money got from visiting the primates has helped the government finance through supporting the conservation area, building healthcare service to support the sick individuals, paying Game Ranger salaries and carrying out continuous primate related research. For that reason ,Gorilla Trekking is ethical.
Gorilla trekking is ethical because its under guidance of strict guidelines. Therefore, gorilla trekking rules and regulations help to protect the primates, keep their natural habitats intact and eliminates any form of distress.
Gorilla trekking rules are given to visitors by the rangers during the briefing for gorilla trekking. All these measures were put in place to protect the primates from all potential danger and threats.
Take note, the population of the mountain gorillas has increased over the years. For example, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda was established in 1993 with just one gorilla family which has grown to 17 individuals. This is because porters who used to kill them, were trained and recruited as Guides, game rangers and porters, now they have become protectors of the primates. This is because of gorilla tourism where many people who live in communities around the park and now have been employed to take care of the forest. Some locals are employed as Tourist Guides and Hotel staff. Some locals have their craft Centre with unique craft materials which tourists buy on their visit to the national park thus getting the money needed to their home consumption.
Furthermore, gorilla trekking has also become a main source of revenues to the governments in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The revenue got from gorilla trekking are used to enhance the capacity of surrounding communities for self-reliance through building roads, hospital and schools many more. The economic value of the trek has encouraged the local communities to join hands in the protections and conservation in addition to establish awareness of the importance of wildlife species.
Therefore, gorilla trekking is ethical because it has led to the development of various sectors across the countries where the parks are allocated. Gorilla trekking has helped to get rid of poaching, pet trade and opposing of gorilla groups. Thus, Gorilla trekking is ethical and quite unforgettable activity.
