It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear friend Roger Powell, a founding and our longest-standing board member of Gorilla Doctors. Roger passed away on January 1, 2026.

Roger, a lifelong conservationist and outdoor enthusiast, first became involved with our work while serving on the Board of Trustees at the Maryland Zoological Society – home to the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, Inc. (MGVP, Inc.) for several years. In 2006, Roger had a profound impact on the success and growth of the organization when, as a founding board member along with Billie Grieb and Dr. Rob Hilsenroth, he helped establish MGVP, Inc. as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

He then helped steward MGVP’s partnership with the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine’s Karen C. Dryer Wildlife Health Center, which led to the creation of Gorilla Doctors in 2009. More recently, Roger spearheaded the logistics and legalities of the purchase of Gorilla Doctors’ first permanent regional headquarters in Musanze, Rwanda. We were honored to have Roger and his family with us in Rwanda to celebrate the official opening on March 17, 2022.

At the time of his death, Roger had served Gorilla Doctors for more than two decades. Roger was our ‘silverback’ – a wise leader and true gentleman who dedicated a significant portion of his life to the conservation of endangered eastern gorillas, the advancement of One Health, and the financial stability of Gorilla Doctors.

A few thoughts of remembrance from Gorilla Doctors’ board of directors and staff –

“I feel so very fortunate to have known and worked with Roger over the years. His gentle yet profoundly impactful guidance and support for Gorilla Doctors shaped so much of who we are today. Roger will be dearly missed by us all.” Dr. Jan Ramer, Chair, Board of Directors

“He was a dedicated supporter of Gorilla Doctors and a true champion for mountain gorilla conservation.” – Dr. Ricky Okwir Okello, Senior Field Veterinarian, Uganda

“It was a pleasure to work with and get to know Roger through the past 5 years. He was intelligent, intuitive, thoughtful, and truly lived a life full of meaning. He will be missed by all who know him.” – Gary Kilbourn, Board of Directors Secretary/Treasurer

“I had the privilege of trekking gorillas with him, and I hold such fond memories of those moments, especially with him and Mike during the board trip to the region. I like to think they are both cheering us on from above. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire and be remembered.” – Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga, Senior Field Veterinarian, Rwanda

“He was the consummate gentleman, who gave so much of himself to our cause.” – Dr. Jonna Mazet, Vice Chair, Board of Directors

“Roger was an incredibly unique individual whose dedication to the mountain gorillas was inspiring.” – Mike Halaiko, Board of Directors, MGVP, Inc. Vice President

“I am in mourning for what Gorilla Doctors has lost with Roger’s passing: he had such a deep and rich knowledge of the organization’s history, was always attuned to the mechanics of our stability and success, and so gracefully handled his responsibilities on the Board. Roger will be deeply missed by us all.” – Dr. Kirsten Gilardi, Executive Director

Roger’s leadership, humor, fierce intelligence, and dedication most certainly helped contribute to the recovery of mountain gorillas – an extraordinary conservation achievement and profound legacy for a life well-lived. He will be greatly missed.

Gorilla Doctors