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Why mountain gorillas are making an incredible comeback in Rwanda

Not too long ago, conservationists were worried that the species would die out.

The population of mountain gorillas in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park was on a steady decline. Researchers worried the species would become extinct. However, the species is making a comeback.

Rwanda has the longest-running gorilla study in the world. 

"We record every activity in gorillas every day, and this is our daily report," says gorilla tracker Emmanuel Bizagwira.

In 2005, the government took 5% of the revenue generated from Volcanoes National Park to help improve surrounding villages. In 2018, they increased the rate to 10%.

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The mountain gorilla population has grown from 680 a decade ago to 1,000 in Rwanda and nearby regions, like Uganda.

The cause has caught the attention of big-name stars like Naomi Campbell.

"We don't want to conserve or protect the park with guns. We want to protect and conserve this park with people who understand," says Prosper Uwingeli, Chief Warden of Volcanoes National Park.

It costs $1,500 per person to enter the park.  

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