Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, a celebrated and award-winning Ugandan Conservationist, recently launched her memoir titled “Walking with Gorillas: The Journey of an African Wildlife Vet” in Kampala.
The book chronicles her life as a scientist dedicated to saving the critically endangered mountain gorillas of East Africa.
Alongside her remarkable conservation efforts, Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka also delves into her childhood experiences, her affinity for animals, and her involvement in conservation.
Renowned as an authority on mountain gorillas, her name proudly graces the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) Wall of Achievement as one of the alumni worldwide with distinguished careers.
Additionally, the book sheds light on Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka’s role as the first lady Veterinary Doctor in Uganda and her pivotal role in founding Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), an organization that fosters harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife.
One of the significant aspects covered in the book is her development of the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness between the health of ecosystems, wildlife, and the communities inhabiting these fragile habitats.
She recounts the experiences that shaped her career in conservation, emphasizing the integrated well-being of humans and wildlife.
During the book launch at the Kampala Serena Conference Center, Dr. Zikusoka expressed, “I would say that most people start off in conservation by going to the field, which is so exciting. Falling in love with nature, studies have shown that people who spend more time in nature have better mental health. So, I think you have to be ready to get your shoes dirty, get yourself dirty, and just enjoy being in the forest or savanna habitat.”
Testimonials from the Launch:
Dr. Lilly Ajarova, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, a long-time friend and former workmate of Dr. Gladys, spoke highly of the book’s coverage of Gladys’s personal journey and her work with gorillas and local communities.
She emphasized how the book serves as a valuable marketing tool for Uganda, helping outsiders gain a deeper understanding of the country’s offerings.
The United States Ambassador to Uganda, Natalie Brown, hailed Dr. Gladys as a national treasure and a champion of conservation, pledging continued support from the US government for wildlife preservation.
“Because of her expertise in this area, her memoir, in addition to being a riveting read, provides us with a wealth of critical and timely information that affects not only the mountain gorillas, but also human beings – in Uganda and beyond. Through her years of experience, Dr. Gladys helps us see clearly how landscape changes and biodiversity loss bring humans and wildlife into contact at increasing rates,”
Sam Mwandah, the Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority, congratulated Dr. Gladys on the book’s release, acknowledging its significance for both her personal journey and conservation in Uganda.
He encouraged people to purchase and read the book, as it would enhance their understanding of conservation and Dr. Gladys’s life.
Dr. James Musinguzi, the Uganda Wildlife Education Center Executive Director, applauded Dr Gladys and her book for the role in promoting wildlife conservation.
He noted that the book teaches virtues such as passion, perseverance, and a sense of purpose, while challenging stereotypes within the conservation field.
About Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka:
Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, born on January 8, 1970, is a distinguished Ugandan veterinarian and the founder of Conservation Through Public Health—an organization committed to promoting the coexistence of endangered mountain gorillas, other wildlife, humans, and livestock in Africa.
She is a star of the BBC documentary, Gladys the African Vet. In 2009 she won the Whitley Gold Award for her conservation work.
In December 2021 she was proclaimed a United Nations Environment Programme’s Champion of the Earth for Science and Innovation for her work with the One Health initiative.
Her professional studies began when she won a scholarship to study at the University of London Royal Veterinary College, graduating with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine.
Later, in 2003, she obtained a Master of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University.
She also holds a certificate in the management of non-profit organizations, obtained from Duke University. She also holds a Master of Business Administration.
She is married to Lawrence Zikusoka, a technology entrepreneur and one of the co-founders of Conservation Through Public Health. They have two children
Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka’s book, Walking with Gorillas: The Journey of an African Wildlife Vet, is available for purchase online and bookstores around the world.