Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Louisa Rescuegorillas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Louisa, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

We wanted a name that was simple, universal, and immediately communicated the purpose of our organization. Gorillas are critically endangered, and their survival is directly impacted by human actions. Our mission is to take responsibility and work toward their protection, so the word “rescue” felt fitting to capture the urgency and compassion behind our goals.

We are proud to be the first NGO in Latin America, specifically in Chile, to focus on the rescue and conservation of gorillas. Naming the organization “Rescue Gorillas” in English reflects our global aspirations and the fact that we are now based in New York City.

Louisa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

The Rescue Gorillas Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of gorillas, one of the world’s most critically endangered species. Our story began with a shared passion for wildlife conservation and a deep sense of responsibility for addressing the impact of human activities on gorilla populations. We saw a gap in advocacy for gorilla conservation in Latin America and decided to take action.

Our foundation was co-founded by myself, Louisa, and my partner, Jose Tomas, united by a commitment to create real change for gorillas and their ecosystems. While our journey began in Latin America, we are based in New York City at the moment.

At the Rescue Gorillas Foundation, our main focus is raising awareness about the critical threats gorillas face, including habitat destruction caused by different reasons, like palm oil plantations and cobalt mining for electronic devices. We educate students in schools and universities, teaching environmental responsibility and organizing recycling campaigns to promote sustainable consumption. Through interactive workshops and Instagram advocacy, we inspire communities to take small but impactful actions that protect gorillas and their habitats. By empowering individuals, we aim to create a global movement for conservation and sustainability.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In our early days at the Rescue Gorillas Foundation, one of our biggest challenges was raising awareness in Chile about the endangerment of gorillas. For many, the issue felt distant—both geographically, with gorillas being native to Africa, it wasn’t seen as a local problem. Our first presentations often faced low engagement — people listened politely but didn’t feel a strong connection to the cause.

Determined to break through this indifference, we decided to take a more impactful approach for a presentation to a business audience. This time, we included powerful visuals — photos of gorillas that had been killed or gravely injured due to poaching and habitat destruction. The images were heartbreaking but undeniably effective. They immediately grabbed attention.

This strategy shifted the tone entirely. That moment taught us the importance of meeting people where they are emotionally and using storytelling and visuals to bridge the gap between a far-off issue and a shared sense of responsibility. It was a pivotal moment that reinforced our resilience and commitment to spreading awareness.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When we started the Rescue Gorillas Foundation, the initial capital came straight from our own pockets. We were deeply committed to the cause and willing to invest personally to make it a reality. Balancing full-time jobs, we used our earnings to sponsor presentations and campaigns, covering costs ourselves to demonstrate our dedication. This approach not only reflected our belief in the mission but also helped us build credibility, showing others that we were serious about making a difference for gorillas and their habitats.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rescuegorillas.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rescuegorillas?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rescue-gorillas-foundation/