Why You Need to Visit the Dian Fossey Ellen DeGeneres Campus: A Gorilla Conservation Hub

The Dian Gorilla Fund

Imagine standing in the shadow of the Virunga Mountains, where mist clings to ancient volcanic peaks and the air hums with the possibility of encountering one of the world's most magnificent creatures. At 7,000 feet above sea level, the morning air carries the scent of wild celery and mountain bamboo, the favorite foods of mountain gorillas who roam these volcanic slopes. The silence here is profound, broken only by the calls of exotic birds and the distant rumble of thunder rolling across the peaks.

This is where science meets conservation, where passion transforms into action, and where visitors become part of a story that has saved mountain gorillas from the brink of extinction. Here, in the heart of Rwanda's volcanic highlands, every trail tells a story of survival, every research station represents decades of dedication, and every gorilla represents a victory against impossible odds.

Welcome to the Dian Fossey Ellen DeGeneres Campus, a place that's redefining what it means to experience wildlife conservation. This isn't a passive museum where you observe wildlife from a distance. It's a living, breathing center of scientific excellence where conservationists work around the clock to protect one of humanity's closest living relatives. It's where local communities have transformed from poachers to protectors, where cutting-edge technology meets boots-on-the-ground fieldwork, and where every visitor becomes a crucial part of the conservation equation.

The campus stands as a beacon of hope in a world where wildlife faces unprecedented threats. It represents what's possible when vision meets action, when celebrity influence is channelled into meaningful change, and when the international community rallies behind a cause that transcends borders. This is more than a destination; it's a pilgrimage to one of conservation's greatest success stories, and an opportunity to witness firsthand the daily work that keeps mountain gorillas alive.

Dian Fossey

The Legacy of Dian Fossey and the Vision Behind the Campus

Dian Fossey’s groundbreaking work in the 1960s and 1970s brought the world’s attention to the plight of mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains. Her deep commitment to understanding and protecting these gentle giants laid the foundation for modern gorilla conservation.

In 1967, Dian Fossey established the Karisoke Research Center high in these very mountains. Her groundbreaking research transformed our understanding of mountain gorillas and proved that with dedicated protection, even critically endangered species could recover. She lived among gorillas, documented their complex social structures, and fought tirelessly against poaching.

Fast forward to today, her legacy lives on through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, which continues her mission of research, protection, and community engagement. The creation of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, funded by Ellen DeGeneres and the Ellen Fund, marks a new era in conservation. Opened in 2022, the campus serves as a world-class facility designed to inspire global support for wildlife preservation and environmental stewardship.

Nestled in the foothills of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund represents a bold new chapter in primate conservation. Opened in 2022, this state-of-the-art facility honors the legacy of legendary primatologist Dian Fossey while looking firmly toward the future.

The campus is more than just a research center. It's a living testament to what happens when determination, science, and community come together to protect one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom

Continuing Dian Fossey's Revolutionary Work

At the heart of the campus is a thriving hub of scientific discovery. Researchers and students from Rwanda and across the world come here to study gorilla behavior, genetics, forest ecology, and biodiversity.

Through cutting-edge laboratories and data centers, scientists monitor gorilla groups, analyze DNA samples, and develop new ways to restore degraded habitats. Visitors can see this research in action, learning how technology and teamwork are saving mountain gorillas from extinction.

It’s an eye-opening experience that bridges the gap between conservation science and the visitor’s understanding of what it really takes to protect wildlife.

Today, thanks largely to her pioneering efforts and the ongoing work of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, mountain gorilla populations have more than doubled. The Ellen DeGeneres Campus serves as the organization's headquarters, bringing Fossey's vision into the 21st century with cutting-edge technology and expanded community programs.

What Makes This Campus Extraordinary

A Hub of Scientific Excellence

The campus houses advanced laboratories where scientists conduct crucial research on gorilla health, genetics, and behavior. Real-time monitoring systems track gorilla families across the volcanic slopes. Veterinary facilities provide emergency care when needed. Every day, trackers venture into the forest to observe and protect gorilla groups, collecting data that shapes conservation strategies worldwide.

An Educational Powerhouse

The Ellen DeGeneres Campus isn’t just about research; it’s a force for community transformation.

At the Rob and Melani Walton Education Center, the campus hosts workshops, field programs, and conservation courses for local students and visiting researchers. It’s a space where the next generation of African conservationists gains knowledge and inspiration to protect their own ecosystems.

Beyond the classroom, the campus also uplifts nearby communities through employment, artisan collaborations, and environmental awareness programs. Every visit contributes to education and empowerment, creating a ripple effect that strengthens conservation from the ground up.

Community at Its Core

What truly sets this campus apart is its commitment to local communities. The facility employs hundreds of Rwandans and provides education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihood programs to surrounding villages. Conservation here isn't imposed from outside; it's woven into the fabric of community life.

Sustainable Design

The campus itself is a masterpiece of sustainable architecture. Built using local volcanic stone and environmentally friendly materials, it was designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings while minimizing its ecological footprint.

Features such as green roofs, solar energy systems, and rainwater harvesting demonstrate how modern design can coexist with nature. Over 250,000 native plants have been reintroduced on-site, turning once-degraded farmland into a thriving landscape that supports birds, insects, and small mammals.

It’s not just a conservation center, it’s a living model of eco-friendly development.

Immersive Visitor Experience

One of the most exciting parts of visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus is the Cindy Broder Conservation Gallery, an interactive museum that brings the story of gorilla conservation to life.

Here, you’ll find fascinating exhibits, interactive displays, virtual reality experiences, and a 360-degree theater that immerses you in the daily life of gorillas and the challenges they face.

Outside, a series of scenic trails, including the Gorilla Garden Trail, Biodiversity Trail, and Wetland Trail, allow visitors to explore native plants, reforested habitats, and sustainable landscaping up close. It’s a journey through nature that connects you deeply to Rwanda’s environment and wildlife.

Planning Your Visit

• Getting There: The campus is located in Musanze District, about two hours from Kigali International Airport. Most visitors arrange transportation through tour operators or hotels, though rental cars are available for independent travelers.

• Best Time to Visit: The campus is open year-round, but the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) offer the most pleasant weather. That said, the misty, atmospheric conditions during rainy months have their own magic.

• What to Expect: Guided tours last approximately two to three hours. You'll explore the visitor center, learn about ongoing research, and may have opportunities to interact with scientists and staff. Photography is encouraged throughout the facility.

• Booking: Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. The campus can arrange combined visits with gorilla trekking permits, though these require booking well in advance due to limited daily permits.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

Mountain gorillas remain endangered despite their remarkable recovery. Habitat loss, disease transmission from humans, and climate change continue to threaten their survival. The work happening at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus is crucial not just for gorillas, but for the entire ecosystem they inhabit.

When you visit, you join a conservation story that spans more than five decades. You become part of the reason mountain gorilla numbers have increased from an estimated 254 individuals in the 1980s to over 1,000 today. You support communities that have chosen conservation over exploitation. You help ensure that future generations will have the privilege of sharing this planet with our great ape cousins

The Transformative Experience

Visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus changes you. It's impossible to stand in that place, surrounded by the mountains where Dian Fossey worked and died for gorilla conservation, learning about the ongoing efforts to protect these animals, without feeling profoundly moved.

You'll leave with a deeper understanding of what conservation truly requires—not just passion and good intentions, but rigorous science, community partnership, political will, and sustained funding. You'll understand that every gorilla alive today exists because people decided they were worth saving.

Most importantly, you'll carry home a connection to a place and a mission that transcends typical tourism. You'll become an ambassador for gorillas, armed with stories and knowledge that can inspire others to care about species and places they may never see.

The Dian Fossey Ellen DeGeneres Campus isn't just a place to visit. It's a place that reminds us of our responsibility to protect the remarkable diversity of life on Earth and proves that when we commit to that responsibility, we can achieve the extraordinary.

Ready to Be Part of the Story?

Mountain gorillas need advocates now more than ever. By visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, you don't just witness conservation, you become part of it. You stand where Dian Fossey stood, you support the communities protecting gorillas, and you contribute to a future where these magnificent animals thrive.

The mountain gorillas are waiting. The scientists are working. The story continues to unfold.

Will you be part of it?

For more information about visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus and supporting gorilla conservation, visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund website.