The mountain gorilla population has grown to over 1,000 individuals, the only great ape species with a growing population. Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund representatives recently visited the Houston Zoo to thank them for their ongoing support in the conservation of gorillas and their habitats. The Zoo’s contributions have included protecting forests in the Democratic Republic of Congo for the critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas, expanding food security programs for vulnerable people living near gorillas, and providing scholarships for conservation staff in Africa. The Zoo continues to support vital on-the-ground protection activities. The Fossey Fund representatives were thrilled to see the gorillas in the Zoo’s care and take pride in Houston’s effort to save gorillas in the wild.
Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Partner Visits Houston Zoo
Last month, a Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International representative visited the Houston Zoo to speak about the importance of gorilla conservation efforts and the partnership between their organization and the Zoo.
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International was founded in 1967 by Dian Fossey, a renowned primatologist and conservationist who spent years studying and living with gorillas in Rwanda. Today, the organization protects gorillas in their natural habitats and promotes their conservation through education and research.
Partnership with the Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo has been a Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International partner since 2011. Through this partnership, the Zoo has supported conservation efforts in Rwanda and worked to educate the public about the importance of gorilla conservation.
One of the organization’s recent projects, which the Houston Zoo supported, involved the development of a database to track the behaviors and movements of gorillas in Rwanda. This valuable information can help protect gorillas from poaching, habitat destruction, and other threats.
The Importance of Gorilla Conservation
During the visit, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund representative emphasized the urgency of gorilla conservation efforts. The two species of gorillas, the Eastern and Western gorillas, are currently considered endangered and critically endangered, respectively. Habitat loss, poaching, and disease are all significant threats to their survival.
Conservation efforts such as those supported by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the Houston Zoo are crucial to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats. By working to decrease human impact on their environments, promote sustainable practices, and educate communities about the value of gorillas, these organizations are making strides in the fight to save these primates from extinction.
Final Thoughts
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and the Houston Zoo’s partnership highlights the importance of conservation efforts for endangered species like gorillas. These organizations make a difference in the fight to protect these incredible creatures by working together to support research, education, and regionally-led programs. It is up to all of us to do our part to support gorilla conservation, and partnerships like these show that progress can be made when we work together.
