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Click and save gorillas! Vote for YoG project online |
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Tuesday, 29 September 2009 09:00 |
 In just ten seconds online you could help YoG and the Gorilla Organization to continue funding a vital project that reduces pressure on precious Mountain Gorilla forests in DR Congo, helping them survive in the long-term.
Out of nearly a thousand nominations, the Year of the Gorilla 'Jiko Stoves' project in the area surrounding the Virunga National Park has been selected as one of only twelve finalists in the World Challenge 09 competition.
Online voters simply have to visit http://www.theworldchallenge.co.uk/2009-finalists-project04.php?
and cast a vote for the DR Congo 'Jiko Stoves' project. It takes only ten seconds and does not require registration. Please forward this to EVERYBODY to ensure the Stoves project wins the prize!
The area surrounding the Virunga National Park in DR Congo, home to the critically endangered Mountain Gorilla, is densely populated, with most families reliant on firewood and charcoal for cooking and heating. The collection of firewood often has a detrimental effect on the gorilla habitat, and is also very time-consuming and physically exhausting for the villagers and children involved.
Partnering with local group AIDE-Kivu, the Gorilla Organization launched the fuel-efficient stove project in 2008, producing and distributing Jiko stoves which reduce the consumption of firewood and charcoal by at least 75%. Families with fuel-efficient stoves are now using on average just 1.5 sacks of charcoal a month compared to four sacks per month before.
The Director of The Gorilla Organization, Jillian Miller, says "The Jiko Stoves project in DR Congo has shown proven success in reducing the consumption of firewood and charcoal ? which is a huge threat to the critically endangered mountain gorilla. Winning the $20 000 prize money in the World Challenge competition would fund this vital project for an entire year? |
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Ready, Steady, Go-rilla!! YoG Ambassador Ian Redmond in fundraising gorilla-run |
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Monday, 28 September 2009 12:26 |
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 Imagine almost as many people in gorilla suits as there are mountain gorillas on the planet, all of them running in the busy heart of London to raise funds for conservation projects. Described as one of the most entertaining charity event on the planet, the Great Gorilla Run took place past Saturday.
YoG Ambassador Ian Redmond, intent on behaving like a gorilla all the way (7 miles!), took part. Read his entertaining blog here. The Great Gorilla Run is in its seventh year and has raised more than 60,000 pounds for grassroots community projects in areas of precious gorilla habitat in Africa, such as:
·Training 13 000 Rwandan farmers in sustainable agricultural techniques.
·Building water cisterns in Rwanda and DR Congo.
·Teaching local communities how to produce and distribute 500 fuel-efficient stoves in DR Congo, reducing consumption by up to 70% (firewood and charcoal are often illegally taken from gorilla habitat)
·Providing training to miners on ethical mining techniques. Illegal mining in DR Congo has been a huge problem for gorillas.
·Involving almost 30,000 young members in conservation activities through wildlife clubs in Rwanda and Uganda.
·Providing beekeepers in Uganda with investment and equipment. |
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YoG featured in National Geographic Kids magazine |
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Wednesday, 23 September 2009 09:03 |
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 Gorillas, the Keepers of the Forest - Join NG Kids Trekking in the Mountain Rain Forests in Uganda
National Geographic Kids is a monthly magazine that makes it fun to learn about the world. A great resource for children, parents and teachers, it’s packed with amazing stories and exciting things to make and do!
National Geographic Kids supports the Year of the Gorilla – and now National Geographic Kids has teamed up with YOG to bring you a very special magazine subscription offer. Learn about the endangered gentle giants, the gardeners of the forest and the unique treasures of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda! You can read the fun and informative article here! Pages 1 and 2 Pages 3 and 4 Page 5
You will be able to see the printed article in National Geographic Kids’ October issue, on sale on 23rd September. The magazine is available to buy in newsagents and supermarkets in the UK.
You are invited to order single copies of NG Kids - the price dependent on delivery address - by calling +44 844 322 1213 (or +1795 412847 if outside the UK). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION OFFER FOR THE YEAR OF THE GORILLA - A GREAT IDEA FOR BIRTHDAY AND CHRISTMAS GIFTS! |
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Read more...
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Study on gorilla poaching reveals alarming trend |
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Friday, 18 September 2009 10:18 |
An undercover investigation has found that up to two gorillas are killed and sold as bushmeat each week in the Kouilou region of the Republic of Congo. The apes' body parts are then taken downriver and passed on to traders who sell them in big-city markets. Conducted by the conservation group Endangered Species International (ESI), the investigation helps expose the extent of gorilla poaching. The group went undercover, talking to sellers and traders in Pointe Noire, the second largest city in the Republic of Congo.
Extrapolating the results of the study to other regions reveals a grim picture. Overall, ESI estimates that at least 300 gorillas are sold to markets each year in the country. The poachers particularly target adult gorillas of reproductive age which carry the most meat. Currently, little is done in the country to prevent the poaching of bushmeat, Mr Fidenci of ESI says. "Enforcement does not exist. Even though there are laws to protect endangered wildlife against such activities."
Read the full story at BBC News. |
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Gorilla King Titus dies in Rwanda |
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Wednesday, 16 September 2009 12:09 |
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 Titus the Gorilla King has died in Rwanda at the ripe old age of 35. Titus became the world's most famous Mountain Gorilla after starring in Dian Fossey's "Gorillas in the Mist" and an extraordinary documentary.
The giant old silverback naturally died of old age on Monday after falling ill in the past week. The 200 kilo (450 pound) primate had been observed closely by researchers his entire life, most notably by legendary American primatologist Dian Fossey who studied his group in the 1970s. YoG Ambassador Ian Redmond, who knew Titus nearly all his life, said: "The death of any individual who plays such an important role in his community is a sad occasion. All who knew Titus will mourn his passing in their own way – whether gorilla or human. For me it is like losing an old friend – he was the first gorilla I saw when beginning my work as Dian Fossey’s research assistant in 1976. He was a playful two-year-old and I was a newly graduated biologist, so we both had a lot to learn. But Titus’s death from natural causes at 35 is also a triumph for conservation – how wonderful that we humans have been able to leave him the space to flourish and become the most successful silverback on record, then grow old and die surrounded by his family. The King is dead, yes, but long live the King – his son Kuryama." His group stayed with Titus' body for a long time after his death, mourning him. Read the full article here. |
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