Brookfield Zoo is celebrating gorillas and taking action for gorilla conservation on September 24, World Gorilla Day. The event, highlighting gorillas in the wild and the zoo’s western lowland gorillas, will feature special Zoo Chats at 11am, 1pm & 3

            Brookfield, Ill.—Venture out to Brookfield Zoo on Sunday, September 24, to celebrate the first-ever World Gorilla Day—a day that highlights this charismatic species and empowers people globally to take action for gorilla conservation.

Young zoogoers can participate in fun gorilla-themed activities throughout the day. In addition, there will be special zoo chats at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the walkway in Tropic World: Africa. During these informal talks presented by the animal care staff, guests can learn about the zoo’s gorillas as well as discover how people can help conservation efforts for this critically endangered animal.

One way is by recycling cell phones and other electronic devices. Coltan, a mineral widely used in cell phones, is threatening gorillas and other forest species in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The deforestation and mining for coltan has significantly impacted the gorilla population in its native habitat. Recycling and extending the life of electronic devices helps reduce the demand for coltan mining. Guests are encouraged to drop off their phones and other unwanted items, including cell phone accessories, pagers, handheld games, e-readers, and laptops, to the recycling stations that are always located at the zoo’s north and south gates, In addition, there will be additional recycling stations in Tropic World the day of the event.

For more information about World Gorilla Day, visit www.CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000.