Why I’ve Never Been So Excited About Fresh Gorilla Poo
Get a brief insight into my trip to Uganda to meet a Mountain Gorilla family and listen to the latest episode of my podcast, what can we learn from mountain Gorillas with Dr Jennifer Verdolin.
Have you ever been thrilled by a pile of fresh poo? I certainly have – but not in the way you might think! Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to trek through the Bwindi Impenetrable Rainforest in Uganda and meet a family of mountain gorillas, a dream I've held since watching Gorillas in the Mist in 1988. And yes, I got excited over gorilla poo, but let me explain!
As a dog owner, spotting poo on my morning walks with Eric is usually the last thing I want. But on this adventure, seeing fresh signs of gorillas meant we were close to an incredible encounter. And sure enough, my dream of getting close to these magnificent creatures became a reality. Not only did I meet a group of 16 mountain gorillas, but I also had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Jennifer Verdolin – a modern-day Dianne Fossey.
Jennifer joined our group after we’d all marveled over that fresh gorilla excrement, and she was keen to establish the sex of the newest member of the gorilla family. As we trekked together, we talked about her research and my work in human behavior. It was an extraordinary moment of connection, not just with nature, but with a fellow explorer of the mind and body.
This experience wasn't just physically demanding – it also tested my mental resilience. Leading up to the trip, I had all kinds of worries: Would I be fit enough for the steep trek? What if I got sick in such a remote area? How would I handle the four flights, including one in a very small plane, just to get to the rainforest?
In moments like these, I turn to the "Catch It, Crack It, Hack It" method I teach others to conquer limiting beliefs. The process is simple but powerful:
Catch It: Recognise the doubts and fears creeping into your mind. Notice how they manifest in your body and thoughts.
Crack It: Analyse these fears. What's real, and what's just anxiety over something that may never happen? Challenge the thoughts and prepare solutions to make yourself feel more secure.
Hack It: Test your beliefs and fears in real-life scenarios. Adjust and adapt as you go. Growth isn’t easy, but it’s always worth the effort.
It was ironic that my fears before the trip triggered the same fight-or-flight response we share with the gorillas – proof of how deeply wired these instincts are in all of us. But in the end, I overcame them and experienced a truly life-changing adventure.
Now, Jennifer and I are exploring ways to collaborate. She studies gorilla behaviour, and I focus on human behaviour – and together, we’re developing workshops that connect the two. If you're looking for an engaging, hands-on learning experience for yourself, your team, or even your local schools, stay tuned! These workshops will be unlike anything else, combining wildlife insights with human development.
For now, grab a snack (a banana, perhaps?) and tune into the latest episode of my podcast, where I chat with Jennifer about what we can learn from mountain gorillas.
Listen to the episode here
If you're curious to learn more about Jennifer’s incredible work in animal behaviour and conservation, you can explore it further here: About Dr. Jennifer Verdolin.
