Join SF Zoo & Gardens in the “Gorillas on the Line…Answer the Call” Campaign
Although National Earth Day was Tuesday, April 22, the SF Zoo is always celebrating our Mother Earth. Help us celebrate by showing love for Mother Earth and our gorillas through supporting our Gorillas on the Line (GOTL) Campaign.
Did you know that your old cell phone could help save a gorilla’s life? That’s the idea behind the Gorillas on the Line…Answer the Call campaign — a powerful, global conservation effort that the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is proud to support!
This exciting initiative encourages schools, families, and communities to recycle small electronics like cell phones, tablets, and MP3 players — and all for a wild cause. Let’s take a closer look at why this campaign matters and how YOU can get involved.
📞 What’s the Connection Between Gorillas and Cell Phones?
Cell phones and many other electronics contain coltan, a mineral mined primarily in Central Africa — right in the heart of gorilla habitat. The mining process not only destroys forests but also puts intense pressure on endangered species like Western lowland gorillas, disrupting their environment and threatening their survival.
By recycling your old electronics, you help reduce the need for new mining, directly helping to preserve gorilla habitats in the wild.
🦍 How the SF Zoo is Making a Difference
At the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, conservation is more than a mission — it’s a movement. As part of Gorillas on the Line, we collect used electronics throughout the campaign to support habitat preservation and raise awareness about endangered species.
You’ll often find collection boxes placed around the Zoo and at community partner sites, encouraging visitors to do their part in protecting gorillas — one device at a time.
🌍 How You Can Help
Helping is easy — and makes a huge impact! Here’s how your family can join in:
✅Donate old, small electronics: Gather your outdated or broken devices and bring them to the Zoo’s (4) designated drop-off bins.
✅Start a collection drive: Get your school, classroom, workplace, or scout troop involved!
✅Spread the word: Share the campaign on social media and inspire others to take part.
✅Visit the gorillas: Swing by our Jones Family Gorilla Preserve to meet our amazing gorilla residents and learn more about conservation efforts.
🌿 Why It Matters
This campaign is a fun and tangible way for kids and adults to be conservation heroes. It’s about more than just recycling — it’s about recognizing how our everyday choices connect us to the natural world. When we act mindfully, we help protect endangered species like gorillas and the habitats they call home.
So, let’s answer the call — literally! Recycle your electronics, protect wildlife, and help us create a more sustainable planet for generations to come.
📦 Bring your used electronics to SF Zoo & Gardens today and be part of a global conservation movement! Together, we can make a difference — one phone at a time. 📱🌱🦍
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📍 Plan your next visit at www.sfzoo.org