Not too long ago, gorillas lived in large expanses of forest mostly untouched by humans. Sadly, this is not true anymore.
The areas where gorillas live are not as large as they used to be. Logging roads now wind their way through these areas and large portions of land have been cleared for mines.
Gorillas are also threatened by the bushmeat trade, which means they are hunted and killed for their meat. Gorilla meat is eaten by hunters and loggers and is also sold in city markets and restaurants.
The areas where gorillas live are not always protected. Civil wars and fighting in the countries where gorillas live make it difficult to stop people from illegally hunting these animals.
- Don’t buy or support products that use apes in advertising and entertainment.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Replenish – this reduces the need for natural resources and prevents the destruction that often comes
from harvesting these resources. - Donate to and support organizations that help ape conservation.
- Educate yourself and others about apes, their habitats and threats.
- Support your local zoo, and apes, by becoming a member. With your help, zoos can fund and support important field research.