Do you want to help gorillas even though they live halfway around the planet in Africa? Look no further than the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. They are the world’s foremost organization dedicated to the conservation, protection, and study of gorillas.

Headquartered in Atlanta they work with scientists and local African communities to protect and study gorillas in both Rwanda and the Congo. We also like their 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

Dale has always been fascinated with gorillas and has carved 3 gorillas including 2 Western lowlands and 1 mountain gorilla. And if you don’t know the difference between gorilla species, you can learn about them on our “Gorillas” page.

When Dale won an award in 2019 from The National Sculpture Society for his Western Lowland gorilla, Engima, we donated the award money to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. You can read more about our gift and the sculpture here.

A mountain gorilla mother cuddles her baby. Photo: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International

Gorillas remain on the brink of extinction primarily due to human interference and encroachment on their habitat. Simple things like recycling your old cell phone can help. But how does that help gorillas? It is called coltan and you can read what it is and how it impacts gorillas here.

Action Steps You Can Take:

• Recycle your cell phone or computer at your local phone store, Apple store  (you can even mail in your MAC computer for free) or zoo (most zoos have a bin for recycling your phone). This allows the coltan and other mined materials to be reused.
• If you are an artist, consider donating part of an award or purchase price to a conservation organization.
• Check out their website to learn more or make a donation.