Mountain Gorilla Living Areas Tropical Highlands Countries: Rwanda Congo Burundi

Male Silverback Gorilla

Gorilla Using Tools: Direct Connection to Humans

Do you think there might be a genetic link to human beings?

Poaching Trespassing on other land to hunt animals illegally.

Poverty in Africa Widespread

Poverty leads to desperation

Should Animals be Kept in Zoos? For many people, the zoo is a source of childhood amazement and fond memories: swinging monkeys, laughing hyenas and growling tigers. Conservationists say zoos advance their educational and preservationist efforts, but others see zoos as prisons where innocent creatures are unjustly held captive. The next time your child asks you to take them to the zoo, what will your answer be?

Gorillas in captivity

“Zoos have been around for thousands of years in one form or another “Zoos have been around for thousands of years in one form or another. Animals in zoological parks and aquariums are truly ambassadors to their cousins in the wild. Today roughly 98% of our zoo mammals come from other zoos, where specially selected animals are chosen to breed to help create a diverse population with in the species. Zoos no longer go out into the wild and capture mammals. However, on occasion, a zoo will care for orphaned young or injured wildlife.” Jack Hanna

Dian Fossey Research on Mountain Gorillas

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International is a not-for-profit organization founded by Dr. Dian Fossey in 1978 to preserve and protect the world's last mountain gorillas. Originally named “Digit Fund” in memory of Dr. Fossey's favorite gorilla, the Fund was renamed in 1992 to underscore its commitment to carry on the gorilla protection and research programs established by Dr. Fossey.

Jane Goodall Research on Chimpanzees

Conservation Animal Needs vs. Human Needs