Archive for the ‘Gorilla’ Category

Dec
28

Breaking News! Mountain Gorilla Population Increase

Posted by in Africa,Animal Origins & Fun Facts,community-based conservation,Conservation,Endangered Species,Field Research,Gorilla

photo courtesy S. Kaufman

The population of critically endangered mountain gorillas living in Africa’s Virunga Massif has grown by 26.3%  to approximately 480 individuals in the past seven years according to the newly released results of the 2010 mountain gorilla census. The last mountain gorilla census of the Virunga region in 2003 estimated a total of 380 animals. The Virunga Massif encompasses national parks in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Some 302 additional mountain gorillas live in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which was not included in this year’s census.

“These amazing results show how the team work of three countries and multiple NGOs collaborating on mountain gorilla conservation has been truly effective,” says Dr. Mike Cranfield, Director of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP). “Not only is the census news great, it’s also a measure of the success of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project’s ability to save gorilla lives in field as well as the dedicated efforts of other organizations and the national park authorities.”

The Houston Zoo is proud to support the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Prorgam One Health Program. To read more go to:

http://www.gorilladoctorsblog.org/field-blog/2010/12/7/mountain-gorilla-population-in-virunga-increases-by-incredib.html

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Dec
16

Mountain Gorilla Holiday Shopping

Posted by in Africa,community-based conservation,Conservation,Field Research,Gorilla

That’s right – you can give the Gift of Gorilla this holiday season through the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project’s Orphan Guardianship program.

MGVP’s Gorilla Doctors care for four critically endangered orphaned Mountain Gorilla patients; Ndakasi, Ndeze, Maisha, and Kaboko. You can directly support their vital on-going medical care  by becoming their Gorilla Orphan Guardian™.

Your Guardianship includes a unique downloadable photo certificate of your chosen gorilla to proudly display and enjoy on your computer’s desktop.

Go to http://www.gorilladoctors.org/orphan-guardianship.html for more information

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Dec
15

Houston Zoo’s Support of Great Ape Conservation

Posted by in Africa,Chimpanzee,Conservation,Endangered Species,Featured,Field Research,Gorilla,What You Can Do

Chimpanzee at Gombe, photo courtesy Terra Incognita Ecotours

Since 2004, the Houston Zoo Wildlife Conservation Program has supported Great Ape Conservation in Africa. From field research initiatives to community education and health programs, the Houston Zoo is proud of our commitment to the wildlife, and communities, of Africa. To learn more about our conservation efforts or help support these programs, please follow these links.
Art of Conservation: Rwanda
Working in poor rural communities surrounding Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, empowering and educating the local children about the importance of maintaining a healthy environment for people and animals.
Mbeli Bai Gorilla Program: Republic of Congo
Successfully combining conservation research with capacity building for the local communities.
Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Program
Dedicated veterinarians working tirelessly to ensure the health of Mountain Gorilla troops and support community health initiatives.
Jane Goodall Institute: Republic of Congo and Tanzania
Ensuring the survival of great apes through conservation and education.
Conservation of the West African Chimpanzee: Senegal
New research focusing on chimpanzee communities living in southeastern Senegal where impending habitat disturbance, degradation and destruction from mining activities and increasing human population threatens the country’s remaining ape population. 

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Dec
14

Zoos Unite to Save Endangered Apes Part 2

Posted by in Africa,Borneo,Chimpanzee,Conservation,Endangered Species,Field Research,Gorilla,orangutan

Yesterday we highlighted the Ape Conservation Initiative so today we would like to show you who the zoo association funds will support:

The following projects were funded by the Ape TAG Conservation Initiative with a total of $411,250:

1) Establishment of a National Chimpanzee Disease and Health Monitoring Programme based at Budongo Conservation Field Station, Uganda

2) The Bonobo and Congo Biodiversity Initiative: Preserving the bonobo (Pan paniscus) in the Salonga National Park through holistic conservation, Democratic Republic of Congo

3) Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade in Central Africa, The Last Great Ape Organization (LAGA); Cameroon

4) Protection and monitoring of Grauer’s gorillas, Gorilla beringei graueri, in the lowland sectors of Kahuzi Beiga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

5) Assessing chances of survival of the orang-utan in man-made landscape: the future of the species? Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia

6) Ketambe Reforestation and Ecotourism Development Initiative (KREDI), Orangutan Information Centre (OIC); Sumatra, Indonesia

7) Long-term ecological research and conservation of Cao Vit gibbon in China

8) Population mapping of gibbons Kalimantan, Indonesia: Correlates of gibbon density and vegetation across the species range, Orangutan Tropical Peatland Project and Wildlife Conservation Research Unit; Central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo

In addition to the eight projects, a percentage of the funds are dedicated for ape sanctuaries in Africa and Asia.  Sanctuaries play an important role in ape conservation, particularly through their efforts in law enforcement and conservation education.

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Dec
13

Zoos Unite to Save Endangered Apes Part 1

Posted by in Africa,Chimpanzee,community-based conservation,Conservation,Endangered Species,Featured,Field Research,Gorilla,orangutan

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Ape Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) today announced a critical new campaign to sustain a future for one of the planet’s most imperiled group of animals— apes.

For apes—bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, gibbons and siamangs—the outlook in the wild is bleak. Given catastrophic population declines, it is estimated that some ape species will be extinct within 20 years. The Ape TAG Conservation Initiative, supported by nearly 40 zoos, will fund 8 field conservation projects, one for each of the great ape species and two for gibbons and siamangs.

“As leaders in wildlife conservation, AZA-accredited zoos are dedicated to the protection of these intelligent and charismatic animals,” said Dr. Tara Stoinski, Ape TAG chair. “The Ape TAG Conservation Initiative will elevate the role of zoos in the international conservation community.”

The Arcus Foundation, a leading great ape conservation philanthropic organization, provided a generous matching grant to the funds c ontributed by zoos to the Initiative. Participating zoos have committed to a minimum of three years of support, which is critical for conservation projects to be effective in saving these species.

The 8 projects were selected by an international committee of Ape TAG and AZA members as well as outside ape conservation experts. The Initiative increases the number of zoos contributing to projects in the wild, strengthens support for community education and local law enforcement in countries with wild apes, and provides zoos with resources to demonstrate their commitment to saving apes.

“We are pleased that the AZA community is supporting field projects such as ours,” said Dr. Marc Ancrenaz, director of The Kinabatangan Orang-utan Conservation Program, and principle investigator of one of the projects awarded funds by the Initative. “The problems faced by wild populations of great apes are complex and because of this, zoos have an increasingly important role to play.”

For more on Houston Zoo’s efforts to protect Apes in Africa: http://www.houstonzoo.org/the-future-of-ape-conservation/

For more on Houston Zoo’s Bornean Orangutan project: http://www.houstonzoo.org/bornean-orangutan-conservation/

Nov
22

African Forest: Conservation

Posted by in Africa,Animal Origins & Fun Facts,community-based conservation,Conservation,Endangered Species,Field Research,Gorilla

We hope you have visited our new African Forest website as we count down the days to the grand opening of this spectacular exhibit. The Houston Zoo Wildlife Conservation Program also has a few new pages on this microsite highlighting some of the issues facing wildlife conservation in the region as well as a number of programs we support.

The Future of Ape Conservation highlights projects from Chimpanzees in Senegal to Mountain Gorillas and even the Jane Goodall Institute.

It’s been 50 years since Jane Goodall stepped on the beach at Gombe, Tanzania to begin her study of wild chimpanzees. With that first step, the chimpanzee would become profoundly more than just a beast in a children’s book or a character in a Tarzan movie. Chimpanzees exhibited individual personalities and a wide range of emotions. They showed both empathy and aggression towards each other, a complex social structure, and cognitive thought. They were found to be both foragers and hunters – utilizing primitive “tools”.

In the past 50 years, we began to follow the lives of Mountain Gorillas, Lowland Gorillas and Bonobos across Equatorial Africa. How great apes live, think and interact has been part of our evolving consciousness about wildlife for the last fifty years. Realizing how similar they are to humans inspires us to want to protect them. Fifty years should have been enough time to safeguard an iconic species of the African forests and ensure their survival; unfortunately, it has not. What we have learned is that simply labeling a species as “Endangered” is not enough to protect it.
 
Since 2004, the Houston Zoo Wildlife Conservation Program has supported Great Ape Conservation in Africa. From field research initiatives to community education and health programs, the Houston Zoo is proud of our commitment to the wildlife, and communities, of Africa. To learn more about our conservation efforts or help support these programs, please visit the African Forest website and join us in protecting the Great Apes.

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Nov
18

African Forest: Bushmeat

Posted by in Africa,Animal Origins & Fun Facts,community-based conservation,Conservation,Elephant,Endangered Species,Featured,Field Research,Galapagos,Gorilla

What is Bushmeat?

In Africa, forest is often referred to as ‘the bush’, thus wildlife and the meat derived from it is referred to as ‘bushmeat’.

The term bushmeat is now commonly used for illegally harvested and marketed wildlife in Africa, Asia and Latin America. “Bushmeat” applies to all wildlife species, including threatened and endangered species, used for meat including: elephant; gorilla; chimpanzee and other primates; forest antelope (duikers); crocodile; porcupine; bush pig; cane rat; pangolin; monitor lizard; guinea fowl and many others.
Unsustainable commercial take, many times illegally, is one of the primary causes in the decline of wildlife species in Africa. Though habitat loss is often cited as the primary threat to wildlife, commercial hunting for the meat of wild animals has become the most significant immediate threat to the future of wildlife in Africa and around the world; it has already resulted in widespread local extinctions in Asia and West Africa.
This threat to wildlife is a crisis because it is rapidly expanding to countries and species which were previously not at risk, largely due to an increase in commercial logging, with an infrastructure of roads and trucks that links forests and hunters to cities and consumers.
Rural communities have always hunted as a protein source for their diets. Sustainably managed, wildlife populations could survive under these circumstances. Today, wildlife is taken in large quantities not solely for personal consumption but for profit and commercial resale. Wildlife populations simply cannot rebound fast enough to maintain viable populations in these areas and are quickly becoming extirpated from many regions of Africa.
For more information and what you can do to slow the trade – link here to our African Forest microsite

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Nov
15

Everything is Better with a Gorilla!

Posted by in Animal Origins & Fun Facts,Endangered Species,Gorilla,What You Can Do

Really it is. Especially the holidays. And if you cannot have a real Gorilla to spend the holidays with – might as well purchase this wonderful little book and apparently a small portion of sales goes to support gorilla conservation. See, everything is better with a gorilla!

Let me just point out that I learned whether you need a hand organizing an Olympic-caliber bobsled team or fancy a leisurely stroll, a Gorilla is the ideal companion for whatever it is you’re game to do. And the guidance they give is the absolute tops. Gorillas know the dish on the hippest eateries around and provide financial advice that’s unbelievably sound (as they hold true to a “don’t spend what you don’t have” policy).

And, this book is the only one ever to have a real Gorillastrator working on the art. Whether you like it or not, it’s the holidays people and you better  start thinking about what gifts to give…I have an idea – how about this book?

The Houston Zoo supports Great Ape conservation projects including Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Program, Jane Goodall Institute, Art of Conservation, Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project, Mbeli Bai Gorilla Program and the West African Chimpanzees of Senegal.

We will also be welcoming Dr. Jill Pruetz, Co-Founder Neighbor Apes, Associate Professor of Anthropology and National Geographic Emerging Explorer on Feb. 17, 2011 as part of our speaker series. For tickets go to:http://www.houstonzoo.org/lectureseries/

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Jul
29

Gorilla Country

Posted by in Africa,Animal Origins & Fun Facts,community-based conservation,Elephant,Endangered Species,Field Research,Gorilla

In the Republic of Congo, the Houston Zoo is partnering with the Mbeli Bai Gorilla Program in the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park. Mbeli Bai is the only long-term demographic study on western gorillas which uses direct observations to provide important baseline information on the social organization, demography and behavior of an intact population of gorillas. Detailed studies are also undertaken on the activity of other large mammal species using the bai, such as forest elephants, sitatungas, forest buffaloes as well as otters and many other species. 

Why should we care to protect wildlife in places so far away? Watch the video of wildlife living in and around Mbeli Bai in the Republic of Congo.

Did you watch the video? All 5 minutes? We would like to hear your thoughts on this 5 minute glimpse into a very special place.

If you would like to help support the Mbeli Bai Gorilla Program and the Houston Zoo’s efforts to save threatened wildlife in Africa, please click on the button below.

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Jul
28

Rwanda Calling? Volunteers Wanted!

Posted by in Africa,community-based conservation,Endangered Species,Featured,Gorilla,Travel,What You Can Do

Looking for a new experience working with children at the base of a volcano where half the world’s Mountain Gorillas remain? If so, you can volunteer with Art of Conservation in Rwanda. 

Art of Conservation, Inc. educates Rwandans about conservation and the importance of maintaining a healthy environment for both people and animals while instilling in them an understanding and respect for themselves, their peers, and the natural world. The Houston Zoo is a proud supporter of the Art of Conservation program in Rwanda

Art of Conservation (AoC)  is seeking a dedicated, experienced administrative support intern to work directly with AoC Director Julie Ghrist. Interns must commit at least six weeks to the position. After six weeks, the intern position may be extended at the discretion of the Director. For a description of the position and application – link here

Rushubi Primary School 5th grade class

AoC also occasionally accepts volunteers (link here for application) for short- to medium-term volunteer placements. Their needs vary depending on the staffing situation and class schedule. In general, they seek honest, hard-working individuals who can offer support in one or more of the following areas:

  • Teaching the English-language portion of our conservation education curriculum. We are particularly interested in volunteer teachers who have a background in conservation, biology, agriculture, medicine, or public health.
  • Teaching the English-language portion of our art curriculum. We are particularly interested in volunteer teachers who have a background in drawing, painting, music, or drama.
  • Administrative work including memo writing and grant research.
  • English-language training for non-English speaking staff.
  • Computer skills training for staff.

Ready for an experience of a lifetime? Well, here is one where you can both learn and give at the same time.

I wonder if Art of Conservation will let me volunteer with them this week...maybe I will just eat some bamboo instead

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