Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda’s first wildlife veterinarian, has released her memoir, providing an insight into her lifelong dedication to conservation and the well-being of gorillas. Her work in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a second home for her, revolved around ensuring the health of both primates and local communities.
In “Walking With Gorillas,” Dr. Kalema shares her personal journey from her early fascination with animals to her pursuit of veterinary medicine and her lifelong commitment to caring for gorillas, creatures with remarkable similarities to humans.
Dr. Kalema’s life story is one of resilience, growing up without her father, who was a former minister killed during Idi Amin’s regime, and her family being affected by the assassination of her maternal grandfather, Martin Luther Nsibirwa. Her international education shaped her perspective and passion for conservation, particularly during her time at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, where she engaged with experts and began her research in wildlife medicine.
In 1996, she established Uganda’s first veterinary unit at Uganda National Parks (now Uganda Wildlife Authority). Her work included freeing animals from snares, training rangers in wildlife health, and collaborating with experts in Uganda and beyond to protect wildlife. However, Dr. Kalema’s ambitions led her to pursue a medicine residency program in the U.S., where she developed plans for her organization.
In 2013, she founded Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), a non-profit organization with a “One Health” approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human and gorilla health. CTPH focuses on preventing zoonotic disease transmission in the Bwindi community, a critical aspect due to the genetic similarity between humans and gorillas. Dr. Kalema’s early research on Tuberculosis in the area and health education workshops played a vital role in achieving breakthroughs.
“Walking With Gorillas” is not just a memoir; it is a testament to Dr. Kalema’s deep affection for gorillas. She vividly describes her encounters with various gorilla groups, their dynamics, and her fondness for individual gorillas like Ruhondeza and Kanyonyi. Her dedication to habituating gorillas, a foundation of gorilla tourism, is highlighted, along with the challenges of coexistence with local communities.
Through CTPH, Dr. Kalema and her team established conflict resolution teams to ensure peaceful coexistence between gorillas and their human neighbors. She also collects fecal samples for health monitoring, conducts surgery when needed, and has trained rangers and local communities in gorilla care and conservation. CTPH’s unique approach has garnered a substantial donor network and numerous awards, such as the 2022 Edinburgh Medal for Science and Humanity and the 2021 UN Champion of the Earth Award.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge to Dr. Kalema and her work, given its potential threat to gorillas. Her personal battle with the virus prompted her to reflect on her legacy, ultimately leading to the writing of this memoir.
Dr. Kalema’s writing is clear and vivid, providing a captivating window into her extraordinary life. “Walking With Gorillas” is a compelling testament to the importance of conservation, leaving readers with a newfound appreciation for the cause.
