How Portia de Rossi's Birthday Surprise Became a Lifeline for Mountain Gorillas
A Unique Birthday Gift with Lasting Impact
In 2018, Portia de Rossi made a remarkable birthday gesture for her spouse, Ellen DeGeneres, that went beyond typical gifts. On an episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, de Rossi revealed the creation of The Ellen Fund, a charitable project aimed at supporting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This initiative provided the organization with a permanent base in Rwanda, replacing the temporary facilities they had used since Dian Fossey's passing in 1985.
The project quickly progressed into the establishment of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, a cutting-edge facility situated near Volcanoes National Park. Officially opened in February 2022, this campus has become a vital center for scientific research, community involvement, and the conservation of endangered mountain gorillas. By September 2023, it had attracted over 40,000 visitors, marking it as an important site for both global researchers and the local Rwandan populace.
A Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
A Sustainable Legacy for Wildlife Conservation
The campus's development was driven by a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Covering 12 acres, it includes modern laboratories, a scientific library, and spaces dedicated to public education. To enhance the local ecosystem, over 250,000 native plants were planted throughout the grounds. This infrastructure supports the ongoing efforts of field biologists who monitor gorilla populations and conduct anti-poaching operations in the adjacent national park.
Education is a key focus of the campus’s mission. The facility offers free conservation programs and science workshops, reaching more than 7,500 Rwandan schoolchildren by late 2023. Furthermore, the center provides research internships for university students, nurturing local talent in biology and environmental science. By engaging youth, the initiative aims to ensure that local communities play an active role in the long-term conservation of their natural environment.
Capturing the Journey of Conservation
Documenting the Impact of the Campus
The evolution from the initial announcement in 2018 to the fully operational campus was documented in the special film, Saving the Gorillas: Ellen’s Next Adventure. Premiering in September 2023 to align with World Gorilla Day, the documentary highlighted the construction journey and the encouraging trend of increasing mountain gorilla populations. As one of the few wild ape species currently on the rise, the mountain gorilla remains a key focus for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s ongoing initiatives.
The campus continues to broaden its community-oriented programs, reinforcing its position as a permanent hub for conservation science. For de Rossi and DeGeneres, who have been together since 2008, this project symbolizes their shared dedication to animal welfare. What started as a personal birthday surprise has evolved into a significant scientific institution committed to safeguarding one of the planet’s most endangered species.