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Walking With Gorillas: The Journey of an African Wildlife Vet

Description:

An Inspiring Memoir, for Fans of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Frans De Waal.

In her enchanting memoir, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda’s first wildlife veterinarian, tells the remarkable story from her animal-loving childhood to her career protecting endangered mountain gorillas and other wild animals. She is also the defender of people as a groundbreaking promoter of human public health and an advocate for revolutionary integrated approaches to saving our planet. In an increasingly interconnected world, animal and human health alike depend on sustainable solutions and Dr. Gladys has developed an innovative approach to conservation among the endangered Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and their human neighbors.

Walking with Gorillas takes the reader on an incredible personal journey with Dr. Gladys, from her early days as a student in Uganda, enduring the assassination of her father during a military coup, to her veterinarian education in England to establishing the first veterinary department for the Ugandan government to founding one of the first organizations in the world that enables people to coexist with wildlife through improving the health and wellbeing of both. Her award-winning approach reduced the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on critically endangered mountain gorillas.

In the face of discrimination and a male dominated world, one woman’s passion and determination to build a brighter future for the local wildlife and human community offers inspiration and insights into what is truly possible for our planet when we come together.
 


Editorial Reviews

Review

“I recommend this book to everyone interested in conservation, alleviating poverty, and the role of women in society. But perhaps most importantly it is a truly inspiring story of how one determined and dedicated woman overcame many setbacks and faced many dangers to follow and realize her dream.”—Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE and UN Messenger of Peace (from the foreword)
 
“This uplifting debut by conservationist Kalema-Zikusoka reflects on her upbringing in Uganda and career as a wildlife veterinarian. Born in Kampala, Uganda, in 1970, the author was two years old when her father, a former cabinet minister, was abducted and murdered by the forces of then-president Idi Amin. She recounts devoting herself to her education and enrolling at the University of London Royal Veterinary College, becoming at age 26 Uganda’s first veterinarian specializing in wild animals. Vivid anecdotes detail the sometimes gritty nature of her work with endangered mountain gorillas, as when she describes using sugar to help reduce swelling around a gorilla’s prolapse. Through her work, she became “convinced that you couldn’t keep the gorillas healthy without improving the health and well-being of the people with whom they shared their fragile habitats” and began studying disease transmission between humans and primates. That research, she relates, enabled her to successfully advocate for Uganda’s adoption of the “One Health” approach to conservation, which recognizes that human hygiene and health lead to better welfare for plants and animals.
The heartwarming narrative testifies to the good that one person can achieve and illuminates the complex interdependence between human and their environments. Admirers of Jane Goodall will love this(Feb.)—Publishers Weekly
 
“Her zeal for animals and gorillas in particular, as witnessed in this book, have lead Gladys to ground breaking innovations in conservation winning her global awards.  This is an awe-inspiring walk  by a remarkable lady  who stands to be counted among women of incredible determination and purpose.”
—HRH Nnabagereka, Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, Queen of Buganda Kingdom, Uganda
 
“We eight billion humans are in a turf war with all other living species, one so lopsided that co-existing with them might seem a lost cause—until you meet Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka. Her miraculous career, engagingly recounted here, has meant salvation for some of our rarest primate cousins and an inspiring reminder for us
Homo sapiens of what imagination and persistence can accomplish,whatever the odds.”—Alan Weisman, author,The World Without Us andCountdown
 
“Her vivid narration of the special relationship she has been able to cultivate with nature will leave you captivated and in an intense trance as she transports you to the deep woods of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and on an excursion that you will never forget.”
—Kaddu Sebunya, CEO African Wildlife Foundation
 
“With unwavering drive and passion, she transformed a childhood love of animals into a career as Uganda’s first wildlife veterinarian and one of Africa’s leading conservationists.  Filled with adventure and told with candor and heart,
Walking with Gorillas is an extraordinary story of an extraordinary life.”Thor Hanson, author ofHurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid,andThe Impenetrable Forest:My Gorilla Years in Uganda
  
“Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka is a true force of nature. Her riveting story of growing up in Uganda and overcoming challenges to pursue a veterinary profession, reads almost like fiction—full of adventure, drama, passion, and lots of big, furry primates.”
—Meg Lowman, National Geographic Explorer and author of The Arbornaut: A Life Discovering the 8th Continent in the Trees Above Us

“In one of the world’s most challenging environments, Dr. Gladys has put her life on the line to protect one of the world's most spectacular—and spectacularly threatened species, the mountain gorilla. A story which will inspire everyone, everywhere
!”—Dr. Mark Plotkin, The Amazon Conservation Team, author of Tales of a Shaman’s Apprentice
 
“A concise and compelling autobiography, from a resilient ‘bridge-builder’: Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka. It has been said: ‘When you build bridges, you get walked on from both sides,’—so true for Gladys who has faced prejudice from her own culture, for being a woman and for being African.  But Gladys is a trailblazer, risk-taker and innovative.  We all share this planet and it takes a person like Gladys to reimagine conservation and build bridges between culture and communities so that we all survive together. Gladys is my hero, Uganda’s hero, Africa’s hero, and the world’s hero.”—
Catherine Kreutter, author of Old Mzee books
 
“Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka is one of Africa’s greatest conservation ecoheroes. Her work on mountain gorillas and her innovative approaches linking this essential conservation activity with the health of human communities living in close proximity is truly ground-breaking and serves as a model for other projects around the world. It is wonderful to now have her story told in her own words in this inspiring and delightful new book.”
—Russell A. Mittermeier, Ph.D., Chief Conservation Officer, Re:wild (formerly Global Wildlife Conservation)

“Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka's pioneering efforts to save endangered gorillas by improving local human health have been an inspiration to conservationists around the world. Her new memoir details this incredible journey, including the adversity she had to overcome and what she's learned along the way. She artfully illustrates the complexities of conservation, sheds light on how protecting nature helps us protect ourselves, and offers insights that are applicable to conservation programs worldwide. I strongly recommend this book!”
—Rhett Butler, Founder and CEO of Mongabay

Walking with Gorillas is an inspirational account of one veterinarian's unwavering effort to prevent disease spillover by promoting a "One Health" approach and always, above all, listening and prioritizing local community members’ voices to create a better world for humans, animals and nature. This decade began with grave reminder of the danger of diseases jumping from animals to people and back, something Dr. Gladys has been committed to protecting us and wildlife from during her entire professional life.”—Dr. William Karesh, Author Appointments at the Ends of the World, President, World Organisation for Animal Health Working Group on Wildlife

“Uganda deserves to be better known for its astonishing wildlife. And I can think of no better guide than the nation’s first wildlife veterinarian. Meet Dr. Gladys and enter the incredible adventure that has been her life." —
Dr. Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel

“Infused with the remarkable spirit of purpose, compassion and innovative thinking that is synonymous with Gladys herself,
Walking with Gorillas is an inspiring memoir that showcases the importance of community-based conservation through one of Uganda’s most determined voices for wildlife. A captivating look at the dangers that humans pose to our closest of relatives, this book gives a compelling insight into the role that healthcare and women in society play in the author’s pioneering ‘One Health’ approach – one that the future of conservation surely depends upon. Simply, a must-read.”—Edward Whitley, OBE, Founder of Whitley Fund for Nature, Author of Gerald Durrell’s Army

“Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka’s book,
Walking With Gorillas, is a walk through the forests and landscapes of her life and the lives of those who have influenced her choices as a veterinarian, a leader, partner and mother. Her method for building community and improving methods for protection of the forest has not only had an impact on the survival of our closest relatives the great apes, it has added a chapter to our understanding of how to build a thriving relationship with nature. Her wisdom is what we urgently need as we meet the challenge of declining biodiversity and deforestation, pandemics and climate change. If the measure of a life is one’s legacy, Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka shows in her book that being part of a lineage is also important. Her learning from her forebearers while creating communities that live in harmony with all sentient beings is a model for public health, economic livelihoods and field science.”—Tom Cummings, Tallberg Foundation jury leader and Member Club of Rome, Chair, BLab Europe, Global Alliance for Banking on Values, Author of Leadership Landscapes

About the Author

2022 Edinburgh Medal recipient, National Geographic Explorer, and winner of the Sierra Club Earthcare Award, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka has been a life-long champion of wildlife, from the early days of looking after stray animals at home, to setting up a wildlife club at school. As an African woman growing up in a male dominated society, she found the determination and courage to overcome the many obstacles to her gender to become Uganda’s first wildlife vet, treating the critically endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi National Park. From there, she founded her non-profit, Conservation Through Public Health, a systems-changing policy of making human health a priority to assure the health of wildlife, and the social enterprise, Gorilla Conservation Coffee to protect endangered gorillas, create health and prosperity for the local human communities, and be a caretaker for our planet. She lives outside Kampala, Uganda, with her husband and sons.
 

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing story! Brave, brave woman.

A.C. · October 9, 2025

An absolutely fascinating story. Highly recommend!

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and informative

J.&.S. · October 3, 2023

Trailblazing work by an inspiring woman to save the gorillas of Uganda

5.0 out of 5 stars Good read for following a journey

B. · April 28, 2025

Good read but more about the person than the animals.

3.0 out of 5 stars The Life of Glades Kalema-Zikusoka.

S.F. · April 13, 2023

I was disappointed in this book as I expected to read about the Gorillas of modern day Virunga. This story is about the life of the author from childhood to becoming a veterinarian. Not many stories or anecdotes about the animals.

5.0 out of 5 stars thoroughly engrossing!

C. · March 29, 2023

this is the fascinating tale of a dedicated andcourageous woman, veterinarian,whose efforts to save her country’s rich wildlife heritage by working with communities to enhance their health and their understanding of these magnificent animals contributed greatly to the conservation success story of the critically endangered mountain gorilla. her life story is captivating, and her work both visionary and important. for anyone interested in wildlife conservation, and of course, gorillas, this is a mustread.

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring

R.P. · April 9, 2023

What a great story of how one person can make a huge difference in the world. Stunning in their impact and creativity, the programs launched and led by Dr. Gladys are at the forefront of next phase of conservation and peaceful existence with other flora and fauna in the planet. Inspiring! Ravi

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for those who loved Dian Fosse's story.

J.M. · April 2, 2023

I've waited a long time for a sequel to Dian Fosse's excellent though heart-rending Gorillas in the Mist so when Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka's publisher offered me early access to her book, Walking With Gorillas (Arcade 2023), I grabbed it.  This is the story of one of our closest relatives--gorillas--told by an individual dedicated to sharing their tale despite challenges that could defeat anyone less committed. Because of this, Kalema-Zikusoka has become an important voice in saving our endangered cousin."... a magical time for me and a turning point in my life, where I decided to become not just a veterinarian, but one who works with wildlife."She realized early that as a native, no one had a better lens to tell this story so she must do it."Vernon reminded me to be patient by relating a saying I will never forget, “Africans have the time while Europeans have the watches!”"... in Uganda, where the local Batwa hunter/gatherers avoided the gorillas because they believed it was bad luck to look in the eyes of a gorilla, people in Zaire ate gorillas because they believed that eating a gorilla would give them its strength.""Later I realized that local beliefs was also the reason why there were several giraffes in Murchison Falls National Park and only a handful in Kidepo, where boys had to kill a giraffe as part of the initiation ceremony into manhood."But don't be surprised when the story becomes more complicated than where the gorillas live and what they eat. With the budget constraints and time demands endemic to not just Uganda but the world of agencies trusted to protect endangered wildlife, there seems to be almost as much time involved in caring for the animals as securing the approvals, funding, and support to make that happen. Kalema-Zikusoka took pains to make this book--unlike any other I've read--almost a procedural in how to save African wildlife.Overall, this is an important book not just for the work Kalema-Zikusoka did in the field, but for the revealing way she explains what had to be done to make that happen. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to make that commitment to preserving the planet's natural resources.

5.0 out of 5 stars MUST-READ BOOK!

v.b. · April 22, 2023

I have been reading this book with my jaw open— the story follows Dr. Glady’s life journey becoming the first wildlife veterinarian in Uganda. Through her stories, I’ve learned so much about conservation and the many challenges and complicated considerations that it entails to do it right. In the process of reading, I have gained new inspiration and confidence to live a bigger and bolder life myself.

Good book and good lady.

l. · March 30, 2025

It's nice to get to know Gladis more. She's a lovely lady living in Uganda. Her organisation helps protect mountain gorillas by empowering and teaching the local community.

EXCELLENT BOOK FOR THE WILDLIFE ENTHUSIAST.

J.W. · July 1, 2023

Having recently visited the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi, Uganda this book made a fascinating and informative source of additional information on one of the best wildlife viewing experiences available. It has enhanced the whole experience for me and I now understand all the hard work that has gone in th ensure the survival of our closest living relative.The book is well written, not too technical and clearly demonstrates Gladys's total commitment to the preservation of the species through quality veterinary care and securing safe boundaries between humans and the gorillas.I recommend this book most highly to anyone with an interest in the natural world. A fantastic read with some interesting images. I have been waiting for this book for a while, it was well worth the wait. Gladys should be knighted for her services to wildlife, conservation and humanity. PS.Just bought some Gorilla conservation coffee as well today.

Walking With Gorillas, a book about one of our endangered gentle giants.

g.t. · December 23, 2024

I bought this book as a birthday present for my niece who is delighted with it.

Great book with an amazing true story.

M.W. · June 23, 2023

Well written book with an appeal beyond conservationists. Walking with Gorillas documents how Uganda started and run a successful conservation programme which more than doubled the number of the endangered mountain gorillas. The programme was routed in the local communities which live adjacent to the gorillas and they people also benefited. Walking with Gorillas is an excellent read. Buy it.

Really lovely book

E.C. · September 30, 2023

I'm giving this as a present. I'm very happy with how it looks.

Walking With Gorillas: The Journey of an African Wildlife Vet

Product ID: U1950994260
Condition: New

4.5

AED13852

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Type: Hardcover
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Order today to get by 7-14 business days

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Walking With Gorillas: The Journey of an African Wildlife Vet

Product ID: U1950994260
Condition: New

4.5

Walking With Gorillas: The Journey of an African Wildlife Vet-0
Type: Hardcover

AED13852

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

An Inspiring Memoir, for Fans of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Frans De Waal.

In her enchanting memoir, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda’s first wildlife veterinarian, tells the remarkable story from her animal-loving childhood to her career protecting endangered mountain gorillas and other wild animals. She is also the defender of people as a groundbreaking promoter of human public health and an advocate for revolutionary integrated approaches to saving our planet. In an increasingly interconnected world, animal and human health alike depend on sustainable solutions and Dr. Gladys has developed an innovative approach to conservation among the endangered Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and their human neighbors.

Walking with Gorillas takes the reader on an incredible personal journey with Dr. Gladys, from her early days as a student in Uganda, enduring the assassination of her father during a military coup, to her veterinarian education in England to establishing the first veterinary department for the Ugandan government to founding one of the first organizations in the world that enables people to coexist with wildlife through improving the health and wellbeing of both. Her award-winning approach reduced the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on critically endangered mountain gorillas.

In the face of discrimination and a male dominated world, one woman’s passion and determination to build a brighter future for the local wildlife and human community offers inspiration and insights into what is truly possible for our planet when we come together.
 


Editorial Reviews

Review

“I recommend this book to everyone interested in conservation, alleviating poverty, and the role of women in society. But perhaps most importantly it is a truly inspiring story of how one determined and dedicated woman overcame many setbacks and faced many dangers to follow and realize her dream.”—Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE and UN Messenger of Peace (from the foreword)
 
“This uplifting debut by conservationist Kalema-Zikusoka reflects on her upbringing in Uganda and career as a wildlife veterinarian. Born in Kampala, Uganda, in 1970, the author was two years old when her father, a former cabinet minister, was abducted and murdered by the forces of then-president Idi Amin. She recounts devoting herself to her education and enrolling at the University of London Royal Veterinary College, becoming at age 26 Uganda’s first veterinarian specializing in wild animals. Vivid anecdotes detail the sometimes gritty nature of her work with endangered mountain gorillas, as when she describes using sugar to help reduce swelling around a gorilla’s prolapse. Through her work, she became “convinced that you couldn’t keep the gorillas healthy without improving the health and well-being of the people with whom they shared their fragile habitats” and began studying disease transmission between humans and primates. That research, she relates, enabled her to successfully advocate for Uganda’s adoption of the “One Health” approach to conservation, which recognizes that human hygiene and health lead to better welfare for plants and animals.
The heartwarming narrative testifies to the good that one person can achieve and illuminates the complex interdependence between human and their environments. Admirers of Jane Goodall will love this(Feb.)—Publishers Weekly
 
“Her zeal for animals and gorillas in particular, as witnessed in this book, have lead Gladys to ground breaking innovations in conservation winning her global awards.  This is an awe-inspiring walk  by a remarkable lady  who stands to be counted among women of incredible determination and purpose.”
—HRH Nnabagereka, Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, Queen of Buganda Kingdom, Uganda
 
“We eight billion humans are in a turf war with all other living species, one so lopsided that co-existing with them might seem a lost cause—until you meet Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka. Her miraculous career, engagingly recounted here, has meant salvation for some of our rarest primate cousins and an inspiring reminder for us
Homo sapiens of what imagination and persistence can accomplish,whatever the odds.”—Alan Weisman, author,The World Without Us andCountdown
 
“Her vivid narration of the special relationship she has been able to cultivate with nature will leave you captivated and in an intense trance as she transports you to the deep woods of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and on an excursion that you will never forget.”
—Kaddu Sebunya, CEO African Wildlife Foundation
 
“With unwavering drive and passion, she transformed a childhood love of animals into a career as Uganda’s first wildlife veterinarian and one of Africa’s leading conservationists.  Filled with adventure and told with candor and heart,
Walking with Gorillas is an extraordinary story of an extraordinary life.”Thor Hanson, author ofHurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid,andThe Impenetrable Forest:My Gorilla Years in Uganda
  
“Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka is a true force of nature. Her riveting story of growing up in Uganda and overcoming challenges to pursue a veterinary profession, reads almost like fiction—full of adventure, drama, passion, and lots of big, furry primates.”
—Meg Lowman, National Geographic Explorer and author of The Arbornaut: A Life Discovering the 8th Continent in the Trees Above Us

“In one of the world’s most challenging environments, Dr. Gladys has put her life on the line to protect one of the world's most spectacular—and spectacularly threatened species, the mountain gorilla. A story which will inspire everyone, everywhere
!”—Dr. Mark Plotkin, The Amazon Conservation Team, author of Tales of a Shaman’s Apprentice
 
“A concise and compelling autobiography, from a resilient ‘bridge-builder’: Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka. It has been said: ‘When you build bridges, you get walked on from both sides,’—so true for Gladys who has faced prejudice from her own culture, for being a woman and for being African.  But Gladys is a trailblazer, risk-taker and innovative.  We all share this planet and it takes a person like Gladys to reimagine conservation and build bridges between culture and communities so that we all survive together. Gladys is my hero, Uganda’s hero, Africa’s hero, and the world’s hero.”—
Catherine Kreutter, author of Old Mzee books
 
“Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka is one of Africa’s greatest conservation ecoheroes. Her work on mountain gorillas and her innovative approaches linking this essential conservation activity with the health of human communities living in close proximity is truly ground-breaking and serves as a model for other projects around the world. It is wonderful to now have her story told in her own words in this inspiring and delightful new book.”
—Russell A. Mittermeier, Ph.D., Chief Conservation Officer, Re:wild (formerly Global Wildlife Conservation)

“Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka's pioneering efforts to save endangered gorillas by improving local human health have been an inspiration to conservationists around the world. Her new memoir details this incredible journey, including the adversity she had to overcome and what she's learned along the way. She artfully illustrates the complexities of conservation, sheds light on how protecting nature helps us protect ourselves, and offers insights that are applicable to conservation programs worldwide. I strongly recommend this book!”
—Rhett Butler, Founder and CEO of Mongabay

Walking with Gorillas is an inspirational account of one veterinarian's unwavering effort to prevent disease spillover by promoting a "One Health" approach and always, above all, listening and prioritizing local community members’ voices to create a better world for humans, animals and nature. This decade began with grave reminder of the danger of diseases jumping from animals to people and back, something Dr. Gladys has been committed to protecting us and wildlife from during her entire professional life.”—Dr. William Karesh, Author Appointments at the Ends of the World, President, World Organisation for Animal Health Working Group on Wildlife

“Uganda deserves to be better known for its astonishing wildlife. And I can think of no better guide than the nation’s first wildlife veterinarian. Meet Dr. Gladys and enter the incredible adventure that has been her life." —
Dr. Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel

“Infused with the remarkable spirit of purpose, compassion and innovative thinking that is synonymous with Gladys herself,
Walking with Gorillas is an inspiring memoir that showcases the importance of community-based conservation through one of Uganda’s most determined voices for wildlife. A captivating look at the dangers that humans pose to our closest of relatives, this book gives a compelling insight into the role that healthcare and women in society play in the author’s pioneering ‘One Health’ approach – one that the future of conservation surely depends upon. Simply, a must-read.”—Edward Whitley, OBE, Founder of Whitley Fund for Nature, Author of Gerald Durrell’s Army

“Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka’s book,
Walking With Gorillas, is a walk through the forests and landscapes of her life and the lives of those who have influenced her choices as a veterinarian, a leader, partner and mother. Her method for building community and improving methods for protection of the forest has not only had an impact on the survival of our closest relatives the great apes, it has added a chapter to our understanding of how to build a thriving relationship with nature. Her wisdom is what we urgently need as we meet the challenge of declining biodiversity and deforestation, pandemics and climate change. If the measure of a life is one’s legacy, Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka shows in her book that being part of a lineage is also important. Her learning from her forebearers while creating communities that live in harmony with all sentient beings is a model for public health, economic livelihoods and field science.”—Tom Cummings, Tallberg Foundation jury leader and Member Club of Rome, Chair, BLab Europe, Global Alliance for Banking on Values, Author of Leadership Landscapes

About the Author

2022 Edinburgh Medal recipient, National Geographic Explorer, and winner of the Sierra Club Earthcare Award, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka has been a life-long champion of wildlife, from the early days of looking after stray animals at home, to setting up a wildlife club at school. As an African woman growing up in a male dominated society, she found the determination and courage to overcome the many obstacles to her gender to become Uganda’s first wildlife vet, treating the critically endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi National Park. From there, she founded her non-profit, Conservation Through Public Health, a systems-changing policy of making human health a priority to assure the health of wildlife, and the social enterprise, Gorilla Conservation Coffee to protect endangered gorillas, create health and prosperity for the local human communities, and be a caretaker for our planet. She lives outside Kampala, Uganda, with her husband and sons.
 

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing story! Brave, brave woman.

A.C. · October 9, 2025

An absolutely fascinating story. Highly recommend!

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and informative

J.&.S. · October 3, 2023

Trailblazing work by an inspiring woman to save the gorillas of Uganda

5.0 out of 5 stars Good read for following a journey

B. · April 28, 2025

Good read but more about the person than the animals.

3.0 out of 5 stars The Life of Glades Kalema-Zikusoka.

S.F. · April 13, 2023

I was disappointed in this book as I expected to read about the Gorillas of modern day Virunga. This story is about the life of the author from childhood to becoming a veterinarian. Not many stories or anecdotes about the animals.

5.0 out of 5 stars thoroughly engrossing!

C. · March 29, 2023

this is the fascinating tale of a dedicated andcourageous woman, veterinarian,whose efforts to save her country’s rich wildlife heritage by working with communities to enhance their health and their understanding of these magnificent animals contributed greatly to the conservation success story of the critically endangered mountain gorilla. her life story is captivating, and her work both visionary and important. for anyone interested in wildlife conservation, and of course, gorillas, this is a mustread.

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring

R.P. · April 9, 2023

What a great story of how one person can make a huge difference in the world. Stunning in their impact and creativity, the programs launched and led by Dr. Gladys are at the forefront of next phase of conservation and peaceful existence with other flora and fauna in the planet. Inspiring! Ravi

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for those who loved Dian Fosse's story.

J.M. · April 2, 2023

I've waited a long time for a sequel to Dian Fosse's excellent though heart-rending Gorillas in the Mist so when Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka's publisher offered me early access to her book, Walking With Gorillas (Arcade 2023), I grabbed it.  This is the story of one of our closest relatives--gorillas--told by an individual dedicated to sharing their tale despite challenges that could defeat anyone less committed. Because of this, Kalema-Zikusoka has become an important voice in saving our endangered cousin."... a magical time for me and a turning point in my life, where I decided to become not just a veterinarian, but one who works with wildlife."She realized early that as a native, no one had a better lens to tell this story so she must do it."Vernon reminded me to be patient by relating a saying I will never forget, “Africans have the time while Europeans have the watches!”"... in Uganda, where the local Batwa hunter/gatherers avoided the gorillas because they believed it was bad luck to look in the eyes of a gorilla, people in Zaire ate gorillas because they believed that eating a gorilla would give them its strength.""Later I realized that local beliefs was also the reason why there were several giraffes in Murchison Falls National Park and only a handful in Kidepo, where boys had to kill a giraffe as part of the initiation ceremony into manhood."But don't be surprised when the story becomes more complicated than where the gorillas live and what they eat. With the budget constraints and time demands endemic to not just Uganda but the world of agencies trusted to protect endangered wildlife, there seems to be almost as much time involved in caring for the animals as securing the approvals, funding, and support to make that happen. Kalema-Zikusoka took pains to make this book--unlike any other I've read--almost a procedural in how to save African wildlife.Overall, this is an important book not just for the work Kalema-Zikusoka did in the field, but for the revealing way she explains what had to be done to make that happen. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to make that commitment to preserving the planet's natural resources.

5.0 out of 5 stars MUST-READ BOOK!

v.b. · April 22, 2023

I have been reading this book with my jaw open— the story follows Dr. Glady’s life journey becoming the first wildlife veterinarian in Uganda. Through her stories, I’ve learned so much about conservation and the many challenges and complicated considerations that it entails to do it right. In the process of reading, I have gained new inspiration and confidence to live a bigger and bolder life myself.

Good book and good lady.

l. · March 30, 2025

It's nice to get to know Gladis more. She's a lovely lady living in Uganda. Her organisation helps protect mountain gorillas by empowering and teaching the local community.

EXCELLENT BOOK FOR THE WILDLIFE ENTHUSIAST.

J.W. · July 1, 2023

Having recently visited the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi, Uganda this book made a fascinating and informative source of additional information on one of the best wildlife viewing experiences available. It has enhanced the whole experience for me and I now understand all the hard work that has gone in th ensure the survival of our closest living relative.The book is well written, not too technical and clearly demonstrates Gladys's total commitment to the preservation of the species through quality veterinary care and securing safe boundaries between humans and the gorillas.I recommend this book most highly to anyone with an interest in the natural world. A fantastic read with some interesting images. I have been waiting for this book for a while, it was well worth the wait. Gladys should be knighted for her services to wildlife, conservation and humanity. PS.Just bought some Gorilla conservation coffee as well today.

Walking With Gorillas, a book about one of our endangered gentle giants.

g.t. · December 23, 2024

I bought this book as a birthday present for my niece who is delighted with it.

Great book with an amazing true story.

M.W. · June 23, 2023

Well written book with an appeal beyond conservationists. Walking with Gorillas documents how Uganda started and run a successful conservation programme which more than doubled the number of the endangered mountain gorillas. The programme was routed in the local communities which live adjacent to the gorillas and they people also benefited. Walking with Gorillas is an excellent read. Buy it.

Really lovely book

E.C. · September 30, 2023

I'm giving this as a present. I'm very happy with how it looks.

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