By Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

Mountain Gorillas only remain in the wild in three countries in the world: Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. I am lucky enough to live in Rwanda, where I was able to walk with some of the few remaining mountain gorillas in the wild. Thanks to teams of extremely dedicated people, mountain gorilla populations have been slowly increasing. Hunting, habitat loss and disease caused by humans has pushed gorillas to the brink of extinction. But there is hope we can save them from ourselves. 

Conservation in Africa has a long and complex history, grounded in white supremacy, land grabs and colonialism. Africans are frequently portrayed as the cause of species loss, and rarely the solution. When people think of Gorillas and Chimpanzees in Africa, they think of Jane Goodall or Dian Fossey, African voices are erased. 

This memoir by Gladys helps change that. As the first Ugandan wildlife veterinarian she tells the inspirational story of her life-centering animals and wildlife protection. Gladys helps protect mountain gorillas, educates people on public health and promotes peaceful coexistence with wildlife. 

Title: Walking with Gorillas: The Journey of an African Vet

Author: Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

ISBN: 978-1950994267

Publisher: Arcade

Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka is a Uganda wildlife veterinarian, whose father was assassinated in a military coup. She received her degree in London and is an influential figure in African conservation. She has founded an organisation called ‘Conservation Through Public Health’ which enables people and animals to coexist through improving health. 

Abdourahamane Ly, guest curator for Veganuary at Global Literature in Libraries Initiative, has been vegan for the past seven years now. He is extremely passionate about animal rights and encouraging more humans, especially Africans, to go vegan. He was born in Guinea in West Africa but spent the last 13 years in China. He is currently in Rwanda spreading the vegan message. You can follow him on Instagram at @fulanivegan and X at @fulanivegan.