The powerful primates you see at the Zoo are western lowland gorillas, the largest apes on Earth, but actually pretty shy and family-loving! Their wild cousins across Africa are in serious trouble. More than half of all primate species are threatened, and every kind of gorilla is endangered or critically endangered. Gorillas lose their homes when forests are cut down for farms and mining, and they’re also hurt by hunting and diseases.

The Oklahoma City Zoo helps protect endangered gorillas in central Africa by partnering with two amazing organizations. The Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE) works to protect critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas, while the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund protects both Grauer’s gorillas and mountain gorillas. Together, these partners protect gorilla habitat, do important research, and work side by side with local communities. The Zoo is also an AZA SAFE Gorilla partner. Here’s a really cool thing YOU can do: drop off your old cell phones or small electronics at the Zoo’s Guest Services office for the “Gorillas on the Line” recycling program. Phones contain minerals that are mined in gorilla habitat, so recycling them means less mining and safer forests for gorillas.