Year of the Gorilla 2009

Trends suggest that all great ape species could become extinct in the wild in the 21st century, and some even within a few decades. To raise awareness of this crisis and to raise vital funds to help fight it, Bristol Zoo is participating in the world-wide 'Year of the Gorilla' campaign.

Bristol Zoo has a long history of working with gorillas in captivity and has supported gorilla conservation in Cameroon for over 10 years.

We work with western lowland gorillas, a critically endangered species that is threatened by habitat loss, hunting and diseases such as ebola. We participate in a Europe-wide co-ordinated breeding programme for gorillas, and are proud of our achievements with our breeding group.

In Cameroon we support measures to reduce the illegal hunting of gorillas, working with communities to explore ways in which they can control or prevent hunting in their areas. Adult gorillas are killed and any young found alive are sold into a local pet trade. We support the control of this trade by supporting a sanctuary for confiscated apes operated by our partner Ape Action Africa.

A number of events and fundraising activities took place in 2009 with a Year of the Gorilla theme, to let our visitors know why it is so important that we continue to support their conservation.

There are lots of ways you can help to raise money for gorillas. For fundraising ideas or to make a donation please click here

To find out more, please go to the official Year of the Gorilla website at: www.YOG2009.org

Or, alternatively, find out more information about zoos and aquariums on the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums website: www.waza.org

Find out more information about gorillas on the Bristol Zoo gorilla fact page