Uganda Wildlife Authority has launched the ‘My Gorilla Family’ mobile app to digitally help Ugandan and international tourists have an innovative way to experience the wonders of Mountain Gorillas.
Traditionally, Gorilla enthusiasts had to physically visit the breathtaking Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks in southwestern Uganda to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures.
However, the newly introduced digital alternative is aimed at serving those who might not be able to visit the parks in person.
UWA Executive Director, Sam Mwanda, introduced the “My Gorilla Family” app on a colorful evening at Serena hotel. The subscription-based application is designed to provide an interactive portal for virtual gorilla encounters. Subscribers gain access to daily gorilla excursions and can track family migrations at the comfort of their finger prints. Additionally, they will receive real-time updates on significant events, like new births, migrations among other important information from the park rangers.
The ‘My Gorilla Family’ app is available on both iOS and Android devices and offers an unprecedented opportunity for individuals to virtually engage with these gorilla families.
Borne out of lessons learned during the Covid-19 lockdown, this digital initiative seeks to generate additional revenue for national park operations.
During the pandemic, the parks restricted visitors to prevent potential transmission of the virus to the gorillas. This new app is part of UWA’s efforts to find alternative revenue sources while making gorilla encounters more accessible.
Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
Mountain Gorillas contribute up to 70 percent of UWA’s revenue, yet despite generating substantial income, the funds remain insufficient for effective conservation. The app’s launch represents a strategic move to enhance the marketing of this premium product, thus increasing revenue for park management.
Uganda is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and has long been a prime destination for gorilla enthusiasts. This initiative aligns with Uganda’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and showcases its dedication to protecting endangered species and their habitats.
David Gonahasa, co-founder of HoG, emphasized that the innovation aims to secure alternative funding for mountain gorilla conservation. He anticipates a broader community engagement through the app, leading to increased contributions. He noted that the app’s development took nearly a year.
Gonahasa explained that forest cameras capture the required data to provide consistent information to the app. The initiative aims to raise $380,000 to ensure the app’s efficient operation, with a monthly subscription fee of $2.
The launch of the “My Gorilla Family” app not only eases access to mountain gorilla experiences but also contributes to Uganda’s conservation and eco-tourism efforts, reinforcing the nation’s dedication to preserving its remarkable biodiversity.
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