World gorilla day takes place everyone on 24th September. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of gorilla conservation and ongoing threats these creatures face. World gorilla day serves as a worldwide platform to inspire and celebrate the role gorillas play in the ecosystem and cultural heritage.
World gorilla day was launched in September 2017 in the honor of Dr. Dian Fossey’s birthday, a renowned primatologist, author and conservationist who dedicated her life to studying the life and saving of mountain gorillas. Most of her work is pioneered and highlighted in a book and film called Gorilla in the mist. This opened people’s eyes to the complex lives of these creatures and challenges they face due to diseases, loss of habitats and poaching.
Previously gorillas were depicted as scary beasts that only wanted to scare and attack people. Even those that used to visit zoos were terrified by these primates. However, those that were most terrifying were silverback gorillas that were protecting their families from poachers in 1900’s. Notably gorillas are gentle souls unless they are provoked or male who are competing for females.
Gorillas were divided into two species, the eastern and western gorillas. They are then divided into other four subspecies. Western gorillas are divided into western lowland and cross river gorillas. The eastern gorillas are also divided into eastern lowland and mountain gorillas which are the most endangered and few are left in the world. All these gorilla species share approximately 98% of their DNA with humans. Observing these primates in their natural habitat will show you how human-like they are, especially how the mother takes care of the infants and how the family interacts. On a normal day the gorilla family wakes up together and starts moving in search of breakfast. After breakfast, the group takes a short nap and the infants use this opportunity to play and practice climbing and beating the chest as they imitate the adults. Again after resting the group set off for lunch and in the evening they always have last afternoon feed. After the last feed they gather together for grooming. Gorillas are know for building individual nests on the ground where they spend their overnight
Gorillas play a vital role in the seed dispersal which contributes to regenerating of the forest. This has helped in balancing the ecosystem thus ensuring survival of other animal and plant species.
Activities that can be done on World Gorilla day
Recycling old electronics
This is one of the activities that contribute to the increase of gorillas in the wild. Most of the gorilla habitats are affected by mining for materials used in making these electronics like cell phones. Electronics are connected to gorillas via an ore called Coltan. The mineral is later refined into Tantalum which coats capacitors inside e-gadgets and makes them energy efficient. Coltan is found in great quantities in the Congo. Recycling these electronic items reduces the demand for these minerals and also helps in saving their habitats and raising funds in gorilla conservation.
Support conservation organization
Contribute to conservation organizations that are dedicated to gorilla conservation. You can fund research, anti poaching measures, community programs, and protection which are essential for the survival of gorillas. Some of these organizations include; Dian Fossey Gorilla fund and Conservation Through Public Health. These organizations has helped to increase gorilla population in their habitats like Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National park in Uganda. Volcanoes National park in Rwanda, Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National park in Congo.
Raise awareness on World Gorilla day
This is one of the quickest ways one can use to contribute to gorilla conservation. On World Gorilla day, share information about the gorillas. It may be about the ecological benefits, challenges gorillas face, or critical needs for conservation efforts. It can also be done in the way of sharing gorilla videos or photographs on social media. Another way can be educating people around you about gorilla conservation.
Shop sustainably
It is advisable to support the business of people around these protected forests. Some of these people rely on business as the source of income that improves their livelihoods and also educating their children. By supporting them will help to end human and wildlife conflicts thus reducing threats to these endangered creatures.
