The once-endless rain forests of the Central African Republic have all but disappeared, and with them the rare, beautiful giants that call them home. Threatened by habitat loss and poaching, the western lowland gorillas of this landlocked country have grown hostile towards humans, refusing to allow people to approach them.

In this Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom special, young Italian scientist Chloe Cipolletta attempts to develop ecotourism in the area in order to save the gorillas from extinction. Gorilla Encounters explores her efforts to acclimate the massive apes to the presence of people.

Chloe and her team track a family of lowland gorillas, but the silverback won't let them get close. She has an alarming encounter when the angry male makes an unexpected warning charge, driving home just how difficult it is to earn a gorilla's trust.

Frustrated with their lack of progress, Chloe and her team journey east to the highlands of Rwanda to visit a clan of mountain gorillas that are used to humans. Inspired by their visit, they return home with renewed energy, but will the lowland gorillas ever lose their standoffishness?

Gorilla Encounters explores scientist Chloe Cipolletta's efforts to save these critically endangered animals from disappearing from the face of the earth forever.