Protecting Gorillas With the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Posted under  Better Planet, EnviroKidz, Kids & Families on
Did you know that all gorilla species are classified as endangered? Or that less than 100,000 gorillas are left in the wild? Gorillas will soon be extinct if we don't do our part to preserve their habitat and protect them in the wild. Luckily, there are organizations that help gorillas. Read on to learn more about the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund!

Who was Dian Fossey?

Dian Fossey was one of the world's most well-regarded primatologists. She established the Karisoke Research Centre in the Virunga region of Rwanda, east Africa, in 1967. There she spent 18 years living alongside critically endangered gorillas, studying their behavior and protecting their habitat. Dian raised global awareness for these endangered animals through magazine articles, documentaries, and even a book! The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund honors her lifelong commitment to the protection and conservation of gorillas. Since the early 2000s, EnviroKidz has been partnered with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund (called the Fossey Fund for short). This organization works to protect gorillas, their environment, and surrounding communities. This year the Fossey Fund is celebrating its 50th anniversary! With each box of EnviroKidz Gorilla Munch Cereal purchased, 1% of the proceeds goes towards the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Saving the gorillas…

For 50 years, the Fossey Fund has worked to protect the gorillas. Each morning, trackers study their assigned gorilla group, recording very detailed information on appearance, health, and behavior. This information is then used for scientific research, which helps us gain a greater understanding of gorillas and other unique animals sharing their habitat. Gorilla

… and the people.

The foundation strives to do the most it can. Each year they work with local primary schools, reaching over 2,000 children with supplies, learning materials, courses, and teacher training. They organize seminars for teachers, and educate children on how to preserve their ecosystem and the gorillas. They provide the community with food, clean water, and a health clinic. The Fossey Fund provides undergraduate and graduate scholarships to their staff. A few of them are now scientists or finishing their graduate degree in conservation. The Fossey Fund is creating tomorrow's leaders!

Get your child involved

Got any extra time? Have you child visit the Fossey Fund’s website, where they can learn about gorillas while doing fun activities! There are tons of coloring sheets, educational games, and even a funny quiz.

You can help!

You have the power to help save the gorillas. Buy a box of Gorilla Munch Cereal to support the conservation of gorillas, or, if someone’s birthday is coming up and you don’t know what to give them - why not ADOPT a gorilla for them?

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About The Author

Diya Courty-Stephens is the grand-daughter of Nature’s Path co-founders Arran and Ratana Stephens. She is currently a junior in high school and worked at Nature's Path in the summer as part of the Summer Student Program. Diya has won several awards for public speaking, she loves singing, volunteers for beach clean-ups and was leader of the Eco Warriors club at her school - where she is on the student council.

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