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silverback that serves as a leader and protector. Although mountain gorillas are usually gentle and calm, this massive silverback, now stand- ing close enough so that Cranfield could feel its warm breath on his face, was visibly displeased to see that the doctor was holding a young gorilla.The silverback had no way of knowing that Cranfield was a doctor. As the silverback advanced, Cranfield carefully placed the infant gorilla on the ground, and then backed away. His Ugandan helpers rushed in. Positioning themselves between the vet and the silverback, they thumped the ground with sticks, gently coaxing the male back into the forest. Cranfield would have to return the next day to examine the baby, a prospect that he didn’t mind.When you’re working among troops of mountain gorillas, which can have more than a dozen mem- bers, you’re often outside of your comfort zone, he says. That can be exciting, and it also can be very satisfying. When Cranfield saves a baby from a snare, treats a silverback’s in- fection, or collects blood samples that help researchers discover more about primate health, he knows he has one of the best, most important jobs in the world.

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