“Guess what I’m doing this weekend?” I posed this question to youth at a local Ugandan school. I connected with these youth while exploring their educational and socio-emotional needs during my LEAD global research experience.
Several students asked, “What? Tell us!”
“I’m going gorilla trekking at the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park!” I exclaimed.
Several youths gasped in excitement around this news, asking for me to share details the following week. Despite my enthusiasm, I was nervous about this strenuous activity, which encompassed trekking up and down steep, narrow footpaths through dense rainforests.
Upon reaching the national park, my feelings of doubt and anxiety intensified. Thankfully the park rangers assuaged my apprehensions before we ascended the steep hill. One hour passed. Two hours passed. No gorillas. After the first two hours, my spirit (and body) became weary and tired.
Three hours passed. Four hours passed. Still no gorillas. With stiff legs, I continued to move up and down the lush vegetation while being guided by the sturdy hands of a park ranger. Five hours passed and any hope around encountering gorillas was slowly dissipating. Finally, the park ranger grabbed my arm and pointed to a large black object moving against the rainforest’s luminous green. A GORILLA!
After one faint grunt from a gorilla and the follow-up grunt from the park ranger, the other trekkers and I were granted one hour to observe these massive yet peaceful animals in their natural habitat. I felt an odd sense of familiarity with gorillas, the largest primates in the world who share around 98% of their DNA with humans. Two young gorillas battled each other while a maternal female slightly reprimanded them for being rough. The patriarchal silverback looked bewildered yet calm at the sight of humans, casting protective eyes on us and the general area. An older female gorilla shuffled beside us before plopping down on tree branches.
Despite the intensity of the trek, witnessing gorillas and the beauty of Uganda was worth it. On the following Monday, I described this experience with the youth at the school. Many of them vowed to see the gorillas one day. Moreover, the youth beamed with pride knowing that their country, the “Pearl of Africa,” offers a variety of landscapes, wildlife, and cultures.