Nestled in the picturesque foothills of Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains near Volcanoes National Park, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund stands as one of Africa’s most innovative conservation and educational centers. Officially opened on February 1, 2022, the campus serves as the permanent headquarters of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an organization dedicated to ensuring the long-term survival of wild mountain gorillas and protecting their natural habitat.
More than just a research facility, the campus is a world-class center for conservation science, education, community engagement, and visitor inspiration. It celebrates the extraordinary legacy of Dian Fossey, whose groundbreaking work revolutionized mountain gorilla conservation, while also inspiring future generations of conservationists across Africa and beyond.
Whether you are planning a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda or simply interested in wildlife conservation, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus offers a fascinating and immersive experience that brings visitors closer to the story of mountain gorillas and the people working tirelessly to protect them.
The Story Behind the Campus
The creation of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus is rooted in a shared passion for wildlife conservation and a deep admiration for Dian Fossey’s work. The campus was established to provide a permanent home for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, which for more than five decades has been at the forefront of mountain gorilla research and protection.
The inspiration behind the project can be traced back to Ellen DeGeneres’s childhood. During the groundbreaking ceremony held on February 12, 2019, Ellen’s wife, Portia de Rossi, recounted how a young Ellen discovered a copy of National Geographic featuring Dian Fossey on its cover. Seeing a determined scientist living among gorillas in Rwanda’s forests and fighting to save an endangered species profoundly shaped Ellen’s worldview and inspired her lifelong admiration for Fossey.
To honor Ellen’s passion for conservation, Portia established The Ellen Fund in 2018 and launched the campaign to build a permanent campus for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The result is a remarkable conservation center that continues Fossey’s mission while embracing modern research, education, and sustainability.
A Spectacular Location Near Volcanoes National Park
The campus is located near Kinigi, just outside Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. Its setting is nothing short of spectacular, offering sweeping views of the Virunga volcanoes, including Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, and Mount Sabyinyo.
Surrounded by rolling hills, indigenous vegetation, and breathtaking mountain scenery, the campus was carefully designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment. Its location makes it an ideal addition to any Rwanda itinerary, particularly for travelers visiting Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, volcano hikes, or cultural experiences.
The Mission of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is dedicated to ensuring the long-term survival of mountain gorillas through a combination of scientific research, conservation action, education, and community engagement. Building on the legacy of renowned primatologist Dian Fossey, the organization has spent more than five decades protecting gorillas and their habitats while advancing global understanding of these remarkable primates. Today, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus serves as the Fund’s permanent headquarters, providing a world-class facility that supports conservation efforts, research, and learning.
Mountain Gorilla Conservation and Protection
Protecting mountain gorillas remains the Fund’s primary mission. Through continuous monitoring, habitat protection, anti-poaching efforts, and collaboration with conservation partners, the organization helps safeguard gorilla populations and supports their continued recovery in the wild.
Scientific Research and Monitoring
Research is at the heart of the Fund’s work. Scientists study gorilla behavior, health, genetics, and ecology to better understand the species and guide conservation strategies. The campus’s modern research facilities support both local and international scientific collaborations.
Conservation Education
The Fund promotes conservation awareness through educational programs, exhibitions, workshops, and outreach activities. These initiatives help visitors, students, and communities understand the importance of protecting gorillas and biodiversity.
Leadership Training and Community Engagement
The organization invests in the next generation of African conservation leaders through training, mentorship, and academic partnerships. It also works closely with local communities to promote sustainable development and encourage active participation in conservation efforts.
Environmental Sustainability
Sustainability is a key component of the Fund’s mission. The Ellen Campus incorporates eco-friendly design and extensive native landscaping, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship while supporting habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation.
By bringing together conservation, research, education, and community development, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus serves as a powerful center for protecting mountain gorillas and inspiring future generations of conservationists.
Research: Advancing Gorilla Conservation Science
Education: Inspiring Future Conservation Leaders
Education is a central part of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s mission. Through the Rob and Melani Walton Education Center, the organization provides valuable learning opportunities for local students, university researchers, conservation professionals, and visitors interested in wildlife conservation.
The center features modern classrooms, a conservation library, computer laboratories, and dedicated spaces for workshops, seminars, and conferences. These facilities support a wide range of educational programs, leadership training sessions, scientific exchanges, and conservation workshops that help build knowledge and skills for future environmental leaders.
By investing in education and capacity building, the Fossey Fund is helping develop the next generation of African conservationists who will play a crucial role in protecting wildlife and natural ecosystems. Beyond the classrooms, the campus itself serves as a living laboratory, with more than 250,000 native plants showcasing ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management practices.
Inspiration: Bringing the Gorilla Story to Life
Economic and Community Impact
The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund has created significant benefits beyond conservation, directly supporting Rwanda’s economy and local communities. Since its development, the project has invested over $15 million in Rwanda and generated more than 2,400 construction jobs, with about 99% filled by Rwandans. Women played a key role in the workforce, representing over 20% of employees, including leadership positions. In addition, over 500 workers received professional training and certifications, strengthening long-term skills development.
The campus has also contributed to environmental restoration, with more than 250,000 native plants replanted, and has engaged thousands of local students through educational outreach programs. Local enterprises benefit as well, including partnerships with Azizi Life, which supports women’s cooperatives through the gift shop, and Food & Stuff, which provides catering services while creating additional livelihoods.