Please join the fight to save gorillas by gathering discarded phones and donating them to the Give for Gorillas Cell Phone Challenge. The group or individual collecting the most cell phones will win the ultimate “Zoo Prize Package” of one complimentary education program, a gift basket from the Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop, an animal painting and a plaque to show off their contribution to conservation! Cell phones have become an integral part of the American lifestyle but the production of cell phones can have a costly impact on the environment. Coltan, a substance commonly found in small electronics, is mined in areas that are home to gorillas and the process of removing it often results in the loss of that important habitat. Phones donated to the Zoo will be dismantled and disposed of following strict environmental guidelines by our partners at the Eco-Cell Recycling Program with old parts being used to refurbish new cell phones to be sold in developing countries. Not only will this decrease the need to mine for more substances like coltan, but also 100 percent of the Zoo’s proceeds from the challenge will be donated to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (DFGFI). The Oklahoma City Zoo is member of the DFGFI Gorilla Council for Conservation Action. For more information: http://bit.ly/1ll5T4U
