| Fee: |
Included with admission |
| Audience: | Ape lovers of all ages |
| Location: |  |
| Dates: | Sat., Nov. 10–Sun., Nov. 18, 2007 |
Calendar: Great Ape Awareness Week
At the San Diego Zoo
November 10–18, 2007
Gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans are on the brink of extinction. Researchers estimate some species may be decimated within a decade if trends of rampant poaching and deforestation continue. The San Diego Zoo is working to raise public awareness about the animals’ plight for survival during Great Ape Awareness Week.
Each day throughout the week, the Zoo’s three great ape species—gorillas, bonobos, and orangutans—are spotlighted with animal enrichment sessions at each habitat followed by presentations about issues affecting great apes, such as the bushmeat crisis and habitat loss due to illegal logging, slash-and-burn farming practices, and the removal of rain forests for palm oil plantations in Indonesia.
• Learn more about the palm oil crisis impacting orangutans.
| Keeper Talks | |
| Bonobos |
10 a.m. |
| Orangutans | 12:30 p.m. |
| Gorillas | 1:45 p.m. |
Special graphic panels at each great ape enclosure feature photos and information about conservation efforts and ways people can help. You may learn how cellular phone manufacturing has contributed to widespread demise of gorillas in Central Africa, and how simply recycling old cellular phones can make a difference. Responsible consumerism of sustainable wood products and food, soaps, and cosmetics containing palm oil are addressed as well.
5K Walk
To help raise funds for great ape conservation, two special activities are planned: a week-long online auction featuring exclusive ape-related items and the Walk on the Wild Side 5K walk through the San Diego Zoo on Saturday, November 17. The 5K walk, presented by USA Federal Credit Union, starts at 7:30 a.m. in front of the Zoo. Registration is $25 for adults and $15 for kids. Participants may be able to meet Conservation Ambassador Joan Embery and some of her animal friends, and will receive a colorful T-shirt, complimentary admission to the Zoo for the day, and a goodie bag. All of the proceeds from the 5K Walk will benefit great ape conservation efforts. Register to walk...
Online auction
The online auction will feature exclusive V.I.P. Zoo opportunities, one-of-a-kind artwork, handprints and footprints made by the Zoo’s bonobos, orangutans, and gorillas, artfully and elegantly displayed, and gift baskets. All of the proceeds from the online auction will benefit great ape conservation efforts. Bid online now!...
Adopt a Project - Gorilla Congo Project
To support our gorilla conservation efforts in the Congo Basin, visit our Adopt a Project program where you can donate $50 to $5,000. 100% of the funds you donate will go directly to our gorilla conservation project. Donations to this project can also be given as gifts. To learn more about this program and the benefits of being a donor...
Great Ape Wish List
In recognition of Great Ape Awareness Week, our online animal Wish List for this month features toys and treats for our great apes and their primates friends. To learn more about our ape-themed online Wish List...
Absolutely Apes iZoofari Podcast Tour
Download and listen to our seven-part episode iZoofari Podcast Tour of Absolutely Apes. Listen or download here....
