Growing up in rural Cameroon, Denis learned about gorillas from his father who hunted primates and other wildlife as a source of protein and income for his family. His father narrated stories about his encounters with primates – stories which were often imbued with superstition, power, totemic relationships, and empathy. Denis owes his interest in the study and conservation of gorillas to these early experiences.
Given this background, As Director of Great Ape Field Research at The Gorilla Foundation, Denis seeks to develop and sustain strategic conservation education and research partnerships with indigenous people groups and organizations working in gorilla habitat countries.
He has received many awards for his groundbreaking work with the people and gorillas of Cameroon, including TGF’s Wildlife Protector Award in 2009-10.