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D i s c u s s i o n a n d a c t i v i t y G u i d e
Gorilla Doctors is part of the award-winning Scientists in the Field series, which began
in 1999. This distinguished and innovative series examines the work of real-life scientists
doing actual research. Young readers discover what it is like to be a working scientist,
investigate an intriguing research project in action, and gain a wealth of knowledge about
fascinating scientific topics. Outstanding writing and stellar photography are features of
every book in the series. Reading levels vary, but the books will interest a wide range of
readers.
Mountain gorillas are one of the most endangered species on earth. Intelligent,
curious, playful and protective of their families, mountain gorillas face threats
from poachers, loss of habitat, and human diseases. Coming to their aid are the
dedicated scientists of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project working to save
these important animals populations in Rwanda and Uganda. Gorilla Doctors
explores the work being done to study, care for, and preserve these amazing
animals.
Pre-Reading Activity
Now look at pictures of gorillas and lowland mountain Do humans have a superiority complex? If they do, is it
gorillas. How are they the same and how are they different? wrong? Do animals have emotions or is that a human
Can students see the difference? assumption about animal reactions?
Have students draw two pictures of themselves or another Applying and Extending Our Knowledge
person. In the first picture, have them draw and label
themselves feeling good and healthy. In the second picture, Scientists rely upon observations of animals. They look at
have them draw and label themselves feeling sick. Discuss facial expressions, behavior, body language, condition of fur/
the similarities and differences in the two pictures. Make a skin, and more to determine the likelihood that an animal is
list of the characteristic that are easily observed that suggest in good health.
a person may be ill. Find group pictures online that show
lots of faces. Look closely at the faces to see which faces • Look at healthy animals of one species such as birds.
suggest a possibility of illness. Now look at unhealthy animals of another species.
What, if anything, do we see in the healthy animals
Ask a veterinarian to visit the class or have students visit a that we should see, but do not see, in the unhealthy
vet in their neighborhood. Ask the vet to explain how they animals? Do we catch glimpses of a general
identify animals that are not healthy and then how they definition of good health? Explain.
decide what is ailing any given animal. Ask about whether
or not there are universal treatments for a variety of species. • Turner tells us that Patience Dusabimana knows that
When an animal is not able to speak, how are we sure that Agashya’s tantrum (page 5) is a warning and not an
our treatment is correct? Make sure to ask the vet about attack. Predict how Dusabimana knows. Compare
whether or not, like humans, certain animals have allergies this with other animal behaviors that may look and
to otherwise safe and effective medicines. sound more serious than they actually are.