In her memoir Walking with Gorillas, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda's first wildlife veterinarian, shares her inspiring journey from a childhood love of animals to a career dedicated to protecting endangered species like mountain gorillas. She has pioneered integrated approaches to conservation, linking animal and human health. Her work in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where she developed innovative strategies to improve the wellbeing of both gorillas and their human neighbors, is groundbreaking. Despite facing personal tragedies, discrimination, and challenges in a male-dominated field, Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka founded the first veterinary department in Uganda and created one of the world's first organizations promoting wildlife-human coexistence. Her award-winning efforts, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, offer hope and demonstrate the power of collaboration for a sustainable future.
