The Gorilla Organization - 2010
We’re really excited, and a little daunted, to be a key sponsor for the Gorilla Organization’s Great Gorilla Run again this year.
Excited because it’s such a great cause and they are a fun bunch of people to work with. Daunted because some of us will once more dress up in hot, furry gorilla suits and run through London’s streets to raise some much needed funds.
The Gorilla Organization, originally set up by Dian Fossey is there for one reason; to raise money to help protect and preserve gorillas in the wild. They favour a community-based approach which promotes sustainable livelihoods, nurtures young conservationists of the future and empowers local people to tackle the main threats to the gorillas’ survival.
Key fundraising activity
One of their key fund-raising activities each year is The Great Gorilla Run, now in its seventh year. The idea is to get up to 1000 keen-as-mustard, fit (and slightly strange) people to dress in gorilla costumes and then run 7km through London, raising thousands of pounds as they go.
If you need more motivation, the top fund raiser gets an amazing prize - the chance to see gorilla's in the wild! Read about last year's prize winner.
Team Explore
Explore are raising a team of six staff once again including the MD Ashley – and all hope to run a fine race.
Last year the team became the top team fundraiser by race day and we'll be going for a top amount agin this year. Keep an eye out for details of how to donate on this page to help the tiny population of wild gorillas to grow and survive (There are just 720 mountain gorillas left…in total… anywhere).
If you prefer to get something in return for your money, we currently have a limited supply of exclusive designer t-shirts available for just a £10 donation - find out more here.
The Cause
However, more than just the once a year race, we realise we need to support the Gorilla Organization’s wider aims, to conserve all of Africa’s gorillas – mountain and lowland. So we’re working with The Gorilla Organization on an ongoing basis and promoting their cause wherever we can.
The best way to understand the reasons the Gorilla Organization and Explore are doing this is to see the gorillas yourself.
You can try our 9 day Gorilla & Chimp Safari in Uganda, our Gamelands & Gorilla Safari covering Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda or the 15 day Ugandan Wildlife & Gorilla Safari. For a chance of spotting lowland gorillas you could also travel on the Africa’s Last Eden & Sao Tome tour.
In Uganda TGO has a variety of pioneering projects which enable local people and gorillas to live alongside each other, including provision of alternative incomes to the use of forest resources and education and inclusion of local people in conservation initiatives.