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Jan Ramer

Gorilla Veterinarian - Dr. Jan Ramer

Dr. Jan served as the Gorilla Doctors’ Regional Manager at the renowned Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project in Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 2009 to 2011. She returned to lead the in-country veterinary team in December 2013. During her time at the project in Virunga Volcanoes National Park, Jan was an integral part of the team working alongside vets in all three countries. She led dozens of health interventions with both the wild and orphaned gorillas, conducted hundreds of routine health checks, and facilitated the move of multiple gorilla orphans from Rwanda to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“I remember my first trek to the gorillas. My heart was pounding in my ears and my breath was ragged, but when I saw my first wild mountain gorilla, Agashya, the silverback leader in the group, I was overwhelmed with emotion, and all pain and exhaustion of the trek was forgotten."

"As I look back over my time at the project, I am simply amazed at all we have accomplished. I leave a piece of my heart there – with my MGVP family, the gorillas, rangers, and with my dear, dear friends.”

Interview with Jan Ramer

Why is Rwanda such an important natural world location? How were you originally attracted to it?

I first visited Rwanda in March 1985 on my way home from a field session in Madagascar, and had the good fortune to visit Karisoke Research Center when it was still a field station, and even met Dian Fossey. That trip seems like a dream now. I fell totally in love with the gorillas and the region, always intended to return, and 24 years later I finally did return to Rwanda and the gorillas! As Regional Manager for Gorilla Doctors I lived in Rwanda for 3.5 years, and also worked with our teams in eastern DRC and southern Uganda. During this time we worked with some of the most dedicated and brave men and women, working through the wildlife authorities of each country to protect the parks, conserve the gorillas and help the communities outside the parks. In many ways, mountain gorilla conservation is a model for other conservation programs throughout the world. Mountain gorillas are the only great ape population on earth that is increasing in number!

Gorillas

Read about Encounters with Primates

Sl Rwanda Gorilla David Yarrow

Rwanda Safaris


RWA St Rwanda Akagera Giraffe Shutterstock Hein Myers Photography

Gorilla Tracking & Game Viewing Safari

Take in the highlights of Rwanda and Tanzania tracking the gorillas and big game of East Africa. This beautiful 11 day safari explores the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater and famous Northern Serengeti, before flying to Rwanda to track the magnificent mountain gorillas. Staying in fantastic accommodation throughout, and offering some of Africa's best wildlife experiences, this is a wonderful safari for those who want to see the best bits. This highlights safari can also be done in reverse, starting in Rwanda, giving you the option of a beach extension to the stunning Tanzanian Coast or 'spice island' of Zanzibar for a bit of relaxation after your adventure.

From 9900 per person
RWA Cl Rwanda July Gorilla Sideview Credit Richard Denyer

Luxury Complete Rwanda Safari

The opportunity to visit Rwanda's three main wildlife hotspots whilst staying in the most luxurious accomodation and transferring vy helicopter, from tracking the world famouns mountain gorilla and meeting the doctors of the mountain gorilla vetinary project, to tracking the cheeky chimpanzee in Nyungwe and searching for a multitude of wildlfie on game drives in Akagera National Park.

From 25000 per person
RWA St Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Trekking Tourist Volcanoes National Park Karenfoleyphotography

Classic Gorilla Tracking Safari

A unique opportunity to track the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Led by experienced gorilla trackers and guides, this safari will take you face to face with several habituated gorilla families, giving you the chance to observe the behaviour of these captivating creatures in their natural environment.

From 12000 per person
RWA Rwanda Gorilla Richard Denyer

Short Rwanda Safari

Great safari for anyone who is limited for time in Rwanda or is looking to combine with another east African adventure, heading into the forest to take part in two gorilla tracks still allowing you the best opportunity to spend time with these amazing animal

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Further Orphaned Gorilla

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What has been your most memorable natural world experience to date?

The rescue of baby Ndjingala (details here) with Dr. Eddy, and moving silverback Mukunda back to Virunga National Park when he had wandered out into the village of Kibumba are two of my most memorable experiences. But really every time we were partners in the rescue of an illegally held infant gorilla and every time we successfully helped a free ranging gorilla, was memorable.

What high priority conservation challenges do you feel the natural world is facing at the moment?

The whole natural world is surrounded by people. Human/wildlife conflict and the possibilities of disease transmission between humans, domestic animals and endangered wildlife are very real threats to the continued conservation of the natural world. That is why Gorilla Doctors practices a One Health approach to conservation. We know we cannot possibly keep gorillas healthy without also helping people who live outside the park achieve a life of improved health, including the health of their pets and livestock. At the end of the day, our goal is for people and gorillas live in harmony and good welfare.

Rwanda Wildlife

A Guide to Wildlife Encounters in Rwanda

RWA Paul Longhurst Th2czeegj2k Unsplash

Where to Stay

RWA St Rwanda Virunga National Park Mountain Gorilla Shutterstock Photocechcz

Where to Go

RWA St Rwanda Volcanoes National Park Mountain Gorilla Shutterstock Asaf Weizman

What to Expect from a Trip to Rwanda

Plan your visit

Can we as members of the public do anything that genuinely helps preserve the natural world?

I truly think that visiting the natural habitat of any endangered species helps people appreciate the need to conserve both species and the environment for future generations. This appreciation can lead to action. Even small actions in everyday life can contribute to the conservation of a species. I also think it is so very important for people who are passionate about conservation of the natural world to also learn about and respect the local culture, and when possible to remember to support local conservation efforts.

If you could pick any Natural World Hero, who would it be and why?

Emmanuel DeMerode. Hands down. He has dedicated his life to the preservation of Virunga National Park, including improving the lives of the people who live outside the park. He inspires his brave and devoted rangers by his own perseverance.

Who or which organisation do you feel is doing important work ‘on-the-ground’ ?

There are so many people doing important work in the field of conservation world wide. Some have the jurisdiction and resources to make a huge impact, like the wildlife authorities and large international organizations. Some are small, grass roots projects, like Conservation Heritage Turambe, a local NGO doing their best to teach children outside Volcanoes National Park about conservation, using art as the vehicle. It takes many partners to succeed in saving a species or environment!

Rainforest, desert, mountains – where do you feel most at home?

Forest and mountains for sure, but I love it all!

When did you decide to develop your passion for animals and the natural world into a career? What would you say to people looking to do the same?

I've always been drawn to the natural world. When I was little we went camping as a family several times, and later I went to camp every summer for years. I've always felt most alive and complete when I am in a natural environment, and largely because of this, I pursued careers in animal care/conservation. For young people looking for a career caring for the natural world, the best advice is don't give up! It is not an easy path and you won't get rich. But you will work with wonderfully dedicated colleagues, and even with the (sometimes major) challenges you will be filled with a sense of accomplishment with each victory.

How can travellers best experience natural world destinations in a way that helps protect it?

Learn about how the people who are in close proximity with the forest or park you are visiting live, and how you can help them. Research very well the organizations you contribute to so that you can be sure donations are put to the best use.

What is your dream natural world destination, somewhere you haven't yet travelled to?

I’ve never been to South America or Asia - bucket list! Although many areas of Africa are still on that list, namely Botswana.

What natural world insight would you like to leave us with?

CARE! Care about the environment and natural world. Change your behavior in small or large ways to reduce impact on our shared home – the earth.