Walking with Gorillas gets new voice in audiobook launch
Narrated by Dr Kalema-Zikusoka herself, the audiobook brings her personal conservation story directly to listeners, from her childhood fascination with animals to becoming Uganda Wildlife Authority’s first wildlife veterinarian and later founding Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH).
Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka (File Photo)
Conservationist and veterinarian Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka has launched the audiobook edition of her memoir Walking with Gorillas, giving audiences a new way to experience her decades-long journey in wildlife conservation.
The audiobook was launched last week at Sheraton Kampala Hotel, three years after the hardcopy edition was officially launched in Uganda at Kampala Serena Hotel.
Narrated by Dr Kalema-Zikusoka herself, the audiobook brings her personal conservation story directly to listeners, from her childhood fascination with animals to becoming Uganda Wildlife Authority’s first wildlife veterinarian and later founding Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH).
She argues that protecting gorillas requires addressing the health, sanitation and livelihood challenges facing people who live alongside protected areas.
That philosophy became the foundation of CTPH, which she founded in 2003. The organization has adopted a One Health approach linking human health, wildlife and ecosystem conservation.
“You cannot keep the wildlife going without improving the health and wellbeing of their neighbors,” she said.
Dr Kalema-Zikusoka has also become a prominent voice for greater participation of women and young people in conservation.
She believes the audiobook can help introduce Uganda's gorillas and conservation story to a wider international audience, particularly people who prefer listening to books.
“I know that through the audiobook, even more tourists will want to come and visit Uganda, see the gorillas and support the local efforts on the ground,” she said.
She also encouraged more Ugandans to document and narrate their own stories, saying local storytelling can contribute to promoting Uganda internationally.
Tourism trough storytelling
The audiobook also comes at a time when Uganda is seeking to strengthen the connection between conservation and tourism.
Dr Kalema-Zikusoka said the hardcopy of “Walking with Gorillas” had already influenced some potential visitors to choose Uganda because of what they read about its gorillas.
“A lot of tourists have read my book even before they come to Uganda,” she said. Some, she added, had considered travelling to other countries but became interested in Uganda after reading about its gorillas. “When they read about the gorillas in Uganda, they say, ‘We have to come to Uganda,’” she said.
She expects the audiobook to take that message further by reaching people who may prefer listening to reading.
“I know that through the audiobook, even more tourists will want to come and visit Uganda, see the gorillas and support the local efforts on the ground,” she said
Sheraton Kampala unveils conservation initiative
The launch also featured a conservation initiative by Sheraton Kampala Hotel, which unveiled Zongo, a wildlife mascot inspired by Uganda's mountain gorillas.
Sheraton Kampala General Manager Jean-Philippe Bittencourt said the initiative reflects the hotel's commitment to supporting tourism, sustainable living and environmental conservation.
Zongo will feature in the hotel's social media content, guest experiences and special events, alongside limited-edition collectibles. A portion of proceeds from the collectibles will support CTPH's mountain gorilla conservation work.
The initiative forms part of Marriott International's Serve 360 programme, which promotes social and environmental impact across its properties.
European Union Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek, who attended the launch, described the audiobook as a valuable addition to the conservation conversation.
He emphasized the inseparable relationship between communities and wildlife, noting that gorilla conservation must also consider the wellbeing of people living near protected areas.
“People and gorillas are inseparable, so you have to care for both,” Sadek said.
The launch comes as Dr Kalema-Zikusoka receives growing international recognition for her conservation work. In 2026, she was named a CNN Hero for her efforts to protect mountain gorillas while improving the health and livelihoods of communities living alongside them.