Banana Phone is a US Tech company that has developed a banana shaped bluetooth handset that connects to your smartphone, with 1% of all profits going directly to G4G.
Virunga is Africa’s oldest national park and is also the continent’s most biologically diverse protected area. Virunga is home to about a quarter of the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas. The park’s two other Great Ape species, eastern lowland Grauer’s gorillas and chimpanzees, make Virunga the only park in the world to host three taxa of Great Apes.
Visit the site to find out up to date information about the Park, the various projects underway and ranger profiles.
Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN)
The Congolese Wildlife Authority (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature) was conceived to protect Virunga National Park, which was created in 1925 and originally known as Albert Park.
ICCN’s scope has subsequently expanded to include all of DR Congo’s protected areas and its duties now include:
Management and conservation of DRC’s biodiversity in protected areas
Promotion of scientific research
Development of eco-tourism within the framework of conservation
Development of populations living around protected areas
The Gorilla Doctors are dedicated to conserving wild mountain and eastern lowland (or Grauer’s) gorillas through life-saving veterinary medicine and a One Health approach. Our international team of veterinarians is the only group providing these critically endangered animals with direct, hands-on care in the wild. (Awaiting new logo from them)
The Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP) is an innovative and ambitious project of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) with an immediate challenge – to lift the threat of imminent extinction faced by gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos and orang-utans across their ranges in equatorial Africa and south-east Asia.
G4G has applied to be a member of GRASP.
…and Supporters
Some kind words from those who support the work of G4G:
Ian Redmond Chief Consultant to GRASP (Great Apes Survival Project):
“Without law enforcement, laws are just words. Without anti-poacher patrols, protected areas are just lines on a map. Some of the most courageous and dedicated conservationists I know are the unsung park guards in Eastern DRC. They put their lives on the line to protect gorillas and other endangered species – the least we can do is to ensure they have the right kit for the job! Dian Fossey, a vocal supporter of what she called ‘active conservation’, used to say “It’s not talking about conservation that matters, its action. Conservation begins with the boots on your feet!” G4G is doing just that – and I know the men in the Virungas will be grateful for your practical support for their dangerous work.”
Robert Muir – Programme Manager, Frankfurt Zoological Society:
“I write this appeal two days after an attack on Lulimbi, a park station in the eastern sector of Virunga National Park (2004) . Their communication system is down and we have learnt that the area is still heavily surrounded by militia. My sincere hope is that most of the 94 rangers and their families have successfully crossed the river and taken refuge in Uganda, but they are likely to have lost all their clothes, food and equipment. The park rangers desperately need your help and Gearing up for Gorillas is working actively with the Frankfurt Zoological Society to provide real practical support where it matters most – directly to the rangers.”
Chris Packham, TV Wildlife Presenter:
“It is almost impossible to imagine the difficulties that the guards and guides face in the jungles of those central African countries which are home to our perilously precarious population of Mountain Gorillas. Their diligence and determination in the face of adversity is astounding. Anything we can do to make their lives and jobs easier is sure to be appreciated. Uniforms, equipment or cash from overseas will make a difference to the men and women who can make a difference for those gorillas. If you care – give anything you can. You could make a human smile and an ape survive.”
David Zeller – President, International Ranger Federation:
“The brave wardens and rangers working to manage and protect the parks of central Africa, especially DRC, are on one of the true ‘front lines’ of conservation. Their resilience and determination regularly bring positive news from the most desperate situations.
To provide them with direct support – whether it be new boots and uniforms or new vehicles and computers – not only gives them the means to continue their vital work, it also lets them know how much we value them.”
Hugh Miles, Multi-prize winning wildlife film maker and conservationist:
“There are many famous animals in Africa but arguably the most charismatic of them all is The Mountain Gorilla. This legendary creature is not just important as an eco-tourism dollar earner for the depressed local economy; it’s an essential part of the true spirit of Africa.
Its demise is unthinkable, so surely the World’s conservationists can ensure its survival by supporting the Gorillas guardians. They show such courage and dedication on a daily basis that it’s the least we can do. They need financial support urgently so don’t just think about it- ACT NOW, before it’s too late.”
Gordon Miller – ex Executive Director, International Ranger Federation
“The plight of gorillas, one of the world’s icon species, has become a focal point for public concern in recent years. Less well known is the constant threat that pervades the lives of those who protect them in the field. Many rangers have lost their lives in the fight to ensure a future for these wonderful creatures.
The International Ranger Federation applauds and supports the work being carried out by ‘Gearing up for Gorillas’ in providing crucial and much needed equipment and other resources for these heroes of the conservation movement.”
Gordon Miller talking to UN sponsored Okapi Radio about the dangers faced by the rangers, Goma, DRC, 2004 www.internationalrangers.org
Chris Yates, Writer, programme maker and environmentalist:
“I am very impressed by the way G4G has involved itself with the fate of the Virunga gorillas, its commitment to the cause going beyond mere concern and into that area of hard graft that is essential to the raising of the Virunga crisis into the public’s awareness.
It is encouraging to learn of the successes that have so far been achieved with the gorillas, but unless the Virunga Park rangers are given the constant support they so urgently need, the amazing apes under their protection may soon exist only in myth.”
Insurance is your ethical choice; whether you require a policy for a dog or cat you can get a quote online or call us for your pet insurance quote over the phone. We are the only UK pet insurance company to donate 100% of our net profits to help animal charities worldwide. Telephone 0844 5570 300
“Animal Friends Insurance is dedicated to preserving and bettering the lives of animals worldwide, and are dedicated to their support of the gorillas in the war ridden Democratic Republic of Congo. With their generous contributions, they strive to protect the lives of the three struggling refuge gorillas, by providing them with the food and medicine that they so desperately need. AFI is thrilled to be able to contribute to such a worthwhile cause to preserve one of the world’s most magnificent creatures.”
When you buy pet insurance by clicking through from the banner on the G4G site, a percentage donation is automatically sent to G4G.
G4G is also indebted to Animal Friends Insurance for their amazing generosity over the years to provide desperately need supplies for the orphan gorillas in 2008, two £1,000 employee donations and the £5,000 pedal powered cinema. Thank you!
Wimborne Business Systems are an IT services company founded 14 years ago and based in Wimborne in Dorset. WBS has provided much help to G4G over the years.
Wimborne Business Systems designed and built the original G4G web site and provided a great service by servicing and fitting new parts to G4G desktop and laptop computers bound for DR Congo.
“It is through the work of people like the G4G trustees and you that the Virunga gorillas have a real chance of a future.”
Maushaus Binoculars Ltd. Dorset UK
Maushaus helped provide amazing numbers of binoculars for the rangers. Fantastic work Maushaus – thank you!
Vinyl lettering and logos, vehicle markings, shop facias, window graphics, sandblasted timber and modular systems.
Peter at Blissford Signs provided and applied all G4G logos and ICCN stripes to the two Hilux trucks now in use by the rangers in DR Congo – for free. Thank you Peter, you are a star!
We are a medium sized family company and our international programme consists of over 10.000 titles in the fields of languages, travel and reference presented in a wide range of products and media, always tailor-made to the local requirements of our customers and markets. We are proud to make a small contribution to communication between people in all parts of the world. Mies-van-der-Rohe-Str. 1, 80807 München, Germany Tel: +49 (0) 89 3 60 96 0 Fax: +49 (0) 89 3 60 96 222 Langenscheidt staff were extremely generous in donating 50 English/French dictionaries for the rangers at Virunga National Park. The rangers are very keen to learn English and these dictionaries will be put to very good use. Thank you Langenscheidt!!
“In 1979, I founded The Animal Behaviour Centre which specialises in the treatment of difficult and even life threatening behavioural problems.
Since its inception, the Centre has researched new techniques and equipment to train and control pets, taking the hassle out of dog ownership. Clients and their problem dogs are the testing ground for seemingly bizarre new products and concepts. For instance, it was a combination of my back problems and a large, aggressive Irish Wolfhound called Ben who first inspired me to invent the first canine head collar: the Halti. The Company of Animals was born in 1984 as a way of marketing not only my inventions but a range of behaviour and training aids that really make a difference to the lives of pets and their people.
All products are tested at The Animal Behaviour Centre to ensure their effectiveness, quality and value for money. In addition, I have a team of dedicated professionals who are here to help and advise you on any pet related problems. I hope that you enjoy browsing our website and if you have any suggestions on its contents and style, please contact us.”
Best wishes, Dr Roger Mugford
Dr. Mugford and his staff kindly donated many ‘enrichments toys’ for the gorillas orphans both at Kinigi, Rwanda and in Goma, DR Congo. The orphans have since been seen playing happily with their kongs and boomer balls… Thank you Dr Mugford and The Company of Animals!
ACE Transport UK, a reliable and professional, light freight, transport service. You can choose to use us regularly or from time to time when you need extra transport.
We provide direct deliveries and distribution of high value goods for:
Businesses Europe-wide
Hi-tech and avionics companies
Manufacturers and wholesalers
Costumiers and clothing suppliers
Printers, chandlers, furniture and antique dealers
Chemical suppliers
National carriers
Alan at Ace Transport UK has always been a strong supporter of G4G. He has provided transport for G4G and delivered to us some very large packing crates that were perfect for transporting equipment to Virunga by shipping container. Thank you Alan!!
BITS
Bull Inn Tack Shop Wimborne St Giles BH21 5NF Email: bullinntack@yahoo.co.uk Lynda runs The Bull Inn Tack Shop in Dorset and has helped G4G in numerous ways, including being a judge at one of our many fun dog shows. Thank you Lynda!
Surplus Store is a small business with branches in Salisbury and Bulford Camp in Wiltshire and have over 15 years experience in providing military and outdoor equipment. 17, Winchester Street, Salisbury Wiltshire, SP1 1HB 01722 421552
The Surplus Store in Salisbury has provided substantial sets of rain gear at a discounted price to G4G. The rain gear is of good quality and cannot be matched in DR Congo. The rain suits have been delivered to the rangers who travel into the forest each day to collect natural food for the gorilla orphans both in DR Congo and Rwanda. It rains consistently hard each day and the suits have been a boon to the rangers. Thank you!
Graveney Gin gives 10% of all profits to a conservation charity called Gearing Up For Gorillas. This 100% non profit charity protects, educates & care for the rare mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, Eastern DR Congo including the rangers who dedicate & risk their lives to look after them.
