Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Nestled at the edge of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund stands as a beacon of conservation, education, and hope for the future of mountain gorillas. Opened in 2022, this state-of-the-art facility is more than just a research center — it is a living tribute to Dr. Dian Fossey’s enduring legacy and a symbol of global commitment to preserving the mountain gorillas she gave her life to protect.

A Legacy Reborn in Rwanda

Dr. Dian Fossey first arrived in Rwanda in 1967, setting up her original Karisoke Research Center between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Visoke. Her groundbreaking work revolutionized our understanding of mountain gorillas, transforming them from misunderstood beasts into intelligent, social, and emotionally complex beings deserving of protection. Decades later, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus revitalizes this legacy, creating a modern home for conservation science and community empowerment in the heart of the gorillas’ natural range.

Built through a partnership between The Ellen Fund and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, the campus was established to celebrate Ellen DeGeneres’s birthday gift from her wife, Portia de Rossi, in honor of Ellen’s lifelong passion for wildlife conservation. What emerged is an extraordinary center that blends ecological innovation, architectural beauty, and a powerful sense of purpose.

Design and Purpose

The Ellen DeGeneres Campus is an architectural marvel designed to merge seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Using eco-friendly materials and sustainable technologies, the buildings are arranged to reflect harmony between humans and nature. Solar energy powers much of the facility, and natural ventilation reduces environmental impact. The design mirrors the rolling volcanic landscapes of Musanze, with green roofs and stone textures that echo the surrounding highlands.

Inside, the campus is divided into three main wings — the Conservation Gallery, the Research Center, and the Education and Training Facilities. Each space plays a unique role in advancing gorilla protection and inspiring the next generation of conservationists.

The Conservation Gallery offers visitors a dynamic, interactive experience, showcasing the story of Dian Fossey, the lives of mountain gorillas, and the conservation challenges that continue to shape their survival. Through digital exhibits, sculptures, and storytelling installations, guests gain a deep emotional connection to the work being done.

The Research Center is where the science happens — a hub for field data, ecological monitoring, and genetic studies that continue Fossey’s pioneering approach. Here, scientists and conservationists work to understand gorilla behavior, forest ecology, and the intricate relationship between wildlife and local communities.

The Education Facilities serve as a gateway for Rwandan students and global visitors to learn about biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental leadership. Training programs empower young Rwandans to become advocates for their natural heritage, ensuring that the spirit of conservation endures across generations.

Conservation and Community Impact

Beyond research, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus has become a transformative force for surrounding communities. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund employs a strong community-based approach, recognizing that protecting gorillas also means improving the well-being of the people who share their habitat.

Through initiatives in reforestation, livelihood support, and environmental education, the organization helps reduce human pressure on the forest while offering alternative sources of income. Locals are employed in campus operations, guiding, and eco-friendly enterprises, making the site a model of conservation through coexistence.

The campus also hosts students, conservation partners, and researchers from around the world, turning Musanze into a vibrant hub for scientific exchange. It reflects the modern philosophy of conservation — one that unites wildlife protection with community development, tourism, and education.

Visitor Experience

For travelers visiting Volcanoes National Park, a stop at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus is both inspiring and educational. It offers a deeper context to the gorilla trekking experience by connecting visitors to the ongoing story of research and protection that began over fifty years ago with Dian Fossey herself.

Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, view research labs, and walk through beautiful native gardens designed to attract birds and pollinators. The center’s open design encourages reflection, offering breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes that rise dramatically in the distance. It is an emotional place — a bridge between the past and the future, where conservation feels alive and tangible.

Continuing Dian Fossey’s Vision

The Ellen DeGeneres Campus is not merely a monument; it is a living continuation of Dian Fossey’s mission to protect the mountain gorillas of Rwanda. It embodies her belief that science, compassion, and public engagement must go hand in hand. The campus stands as proof that conservation can evolve — from solitary fieldwork in the misty mountains to a global collaboration of minds, hearts, and hands.

Today, thanks to the tireless work of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and its partners, mountain gorilla numbers have risen to more than one thousand individuals — one of the most remarkable conservation success stories in the world. The Ellen DeGeneres Campus plays a central role in sustaining that progress while inspiring future leaders to take up the cause.

A Symbol of Hope

At its heart, the campus represents hope — hope for wildlife, for communities, and for a planet capable of healing through collective action. It captures the same spirit that once drove Dian Fossey to live among gorillas and Ellen DeGeneres to use her platform to inspire kindness. Together, they remind us that compassion for animals and respect for nature are powerful forces for change.

Visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is not just a stop on a safari itinerary; it is a pilgrimage to the soul of gorilla conservation, where past and present unite in one extraordinary story of courage, love, and legacy.