Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka: Uganda’s Trailblazing Wildlife Vet and One Health Champion
Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka is a pioneering Ugandan wildlife veterinarian and global conservation leader whose life’s work has transformed the future of mountain gorilla conservation. She is internationally recognized for her integrative One Health approach, linking the health of wildlife, people, and their shared environment to safeguard the delicate balance of ecosystems like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Early Passion and Education
Born and raised in Kampala, Gladys developed a love for animals at a young age and started a wildlife club while in secondary school. Her passion led her to become one of the first women in Uganda to study veterinary medicine. She earned her degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London and later pursued postgraduate training in specialized fields like wildlife health, nonprofit leadership, and sustainable business.

Breaking Barriers in Wildlife Conservation
In 1996, she made history as Uganda’s first wildlife veterinary officer for the Uganda Wildlife Authority. In this role, she conducted groundbreaking fieldwork with endangered mountain gorillas, identifying health risks posed by human interaction—particularly from eco-tourism and communities living near protected forests. Her early discoveries showed that gorillas habituated for tourism often carried parasites originating from humans, sparking her lifelong mission to bridge public health and conservation.

Founding Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH)
In 2003, Dr. Gladys co-founded Conservation Through Public Health, a nonprofit that integrates human health, animal health, and environmental sustainability. CTPH trains health workers, supports community sanitation projects, delivers reproductive health services, monitors wildlife health, and raises conservation awareness in villages bordering Bwindi.

One of the organization’s most innovative ventures is Gorilla Conservation Coffee, launched in 2015. By supporting local farmers with training and market access for premium coffee, the initiative reduces dependence on the forest for survival and helps protect gorilla habitats. This social enterprise creates a direct link between conservation and livelihood, making sustainable choices viable for communities.

Awards and Leadership
Dr. Gladys has earned global recognition for her pioneering work. Among her many honors are the Whitley Gold Award for conservation, the Sierra Club EarthCare Award, the UNEP Champion of the Earth Award for Science and Innovation, and the prestigious Edinburgh Medal. Her voice has become a respected presence on the boards of international conservation organizations and African primatological societies.

She has been a trusted advisor to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Gorilla Organization (UK), Bwindi and Mgahinga Conservation Trust, and several regional science and conservation platforms.

A Lifelong Commitment to Community-Led Conservation
Her conservation philosophy is rooted in real-world experience. In 2003, she treated a gorilla for scabies, a disease traced to human contact. This incident underscored the urgent need to care for human communities alongside the wildlife they live near. Through CTPH, Dr. Gladys ensures that villagers have access to medical care, clean water, family planning, and economic alternatives—so conservation becomes a shared goal, not an imposed burden.

Her inclusive vision has redefined how conservation is practiced in East Africa, promoting mutual benefit over conflict between parks and people.

In the Media and Beyond
Dr. Gladys’s life and work have been featured by major global media, including BBC, National Geographic, The Guardian, CNN, and PBS. Her memoir, Walking with Gorillas: The Journey of an African Wildlife Vet, tells the story of her personal path through the forests of Uganda, her scientific breakthroughs, and her passionate advocacy for a healthier planet.