Scoop on Primates

As we had indicated earlier in this blog, 2009 is the Year of the Gorilla. On January 15, humans dressed in gorilla costumes performed a dance on ice at the Natural History Museum of London.  This was part of the UNEP launch of the Year of the Gorilla. This year will be marked by a number of initiatives to educate and raise awareness on the plight of one of our closest relatives.  More research will also be done in Cameroon and Nigeria to improve community-based conservation efforts aimed at protecting the Cross River Gorilla. Check out this UNEP link to read more about the Projects to Save Africa's Rarest Ape and see pictures of the skating gorillas .

Gorillas are at the brink of extinction, especially mountain gorillas.  How can anyone forget the attrocious murder of a family of silver back gorillas in DRC last year. The United Nations is stepping up to the plate by declaring 2009 the Year of the Gorilla. This new initiative comes with a plan aimed at offering alternative livelihoods to bush meat hunting, new energy solutions that will protect the environment and the promotion of ecotourism. Two articles below - one from the United Nations website, the other from the International Herald Tribune.  Enjoy! Africa-wide UN action plan seeks to save the gorilla. UN officials launch "Year of the Gorilla"