Spotlight on: The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Dian Fossey is a legend in the world of mountain gorillas, her studies and lifetime dedication to these incredible primates played a vital role in saving them from extinction.

Her pioneering work began in 1967 in Rwanda when she set up her field camp ‘Karisoke’ in the Virunga wilderness to study the behaviour of the mountain gorillas. For almost the next two decades she singlehandedly led this research which produced most of the scientific knowledge we have about these magnificent creatures.

Tragically, in 1985 Dian was murdered and was laid to rest in the graveyard amongst her gorilla friends at Karisoke. The Hollywood inspired film of her autobiography ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ was released in 1987 and both this and the book significantly helped raise the profile of gorilla conservation and make it a global concern. Dian gave her life for the mountain gorillas but her legacy lives on not only in the gorillas you will trek in Rwanda today but also in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund which is dedicated to the conservation, protection and study of gorillas and their habitats in Africa.

In 2022, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Fund was opened on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, the home to the mountain gorillas of Rwanda. It is world class research and education center with a fabulous state of the art exhibition open to the public. There is so much to learn and see here with interactive displays, fascinating insights into both the gorillas and Dian’s work, amazing videography in a 360-degree movie theatre, fun virtual reality experiences and also a reconstruction of Dian’ s research cabin at Karisoke. Having visited the Campus, ourselves and having spoken to many clients who have too, it definitely is an experience not to miss out on. The insights and information are incredibly fascinating and it really gives you the complete picture.

The campus is open every day from 9am – 5pm with a recommended donation of $20 per person for a self-guided tour. A ‘Behind the scenes’ VIP tour is also available where you are guided by a senior member of staff and have the unique opportunity to witness the scientists in action. There is also a fantastic gift shop with ethically produced, high quality products and a café selling delicious food and locally produced coffee. We can organize your visit on your behalf either the day before or after your gorilla trek to ensure that you do not miss out on this truly inspiring experience.

Dian Fossey has always been a hero of mine, and so it’s been the honor of a lifetime to support this project. To see my name alongside hers on the walls of this beautiful campus, and to know I’m doing my part to protect endangered gorillas and continue Dian’s legacy, is simply amazing.

Ellen DeGeneres

Donations to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund can be made at: https://gorillafund.org

Here is a sneak peek of the Ellen Campus: