G oing A pe
fo r
G o ril l as
Western lowland gorillas are another
SAFE species being helped by Zoos.
These gorillas are found in West
Central Africa, between the Congo
and Niger rivers. Their conservation
status is listed as critically endangered
by the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It’s
estimated that the gorilla population
in the remaining wild has declined by
more than 60 percent over the last 20
to 25 years. One of the largest threats
to gorillas is the bush meat trade —
the commercial hunting of gorillas and
other species for food and souvenirs. Industrialization of the gorillas’ native habitats and the
Ebola virus are also contributing to their decline.
Our Assistant Curator of Gorilla Forest, Jill Katka, explains what's happening in gorilla habitats.
“In many of the areas where gorillas once lived, there’s no forest left. Only remnants of the wild.
People and gorillas encounter each other more often, and gorillas always lose the battle.”
What can you do to help gorillas?
Start a project to tell others about the endangered western lowland gorilla and raise money
for gorilla conversation groups like Pan African Sanctuary Alliance and Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
International, wildlife partners of the Louisville Zoo.
Donate your old electronics to Eco-Cell at the Louisville Zoo. Eco-Cell
accepts cell phones, smart phones and accessories, iPods, iPads, tablets
and even mp3 players. Just drop them in the special containers on the
Zoo's main plaza. The precious minerals recycled from your electronics
(like coltan, used in cell phone manufacturing) help to prevent mining
in critical gorilla habitats. You can collect these used electronics for
recycling at home, school or even your
community. Learn more at LouisvilleZoo.org/ecocell.
Kindi's Journey
Have you seen Kindi at the Louisville Zoo? Kindi is a young
gorilla that lives in a family group with her surrogate gorilla
mom Kweli. Did you know that young gorillas ride on their
parent’s back to move from place to place like through the
exhibit spaces at the Zoo? You can follow Kindi’s Journey
online to see what she is up to. There are lots of photos,
videos and conservation tips so you can learn more about
how to help gorillas. Visit LouisvilleZoo.org/kindi