ROYAL OAK, Mich. – The Detroit Zoo is collecting old phones to help protect gorillas through a recycling challenge.
The zoo has partnered with SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Gorilla to participate in the Gorillas on the Line recycling initiative.
During the competition, the zoo collects old cell phones and other small electronic devices that will be refurbished and resold to collect funding for SAFE’s conservation initiatives in Africa.
If a donated device is unusable, the organization will recycle it through certified partners.
The Detroit Zoo collected 2,792 devices last year, which was the highest number of devices one organization collected in North America, and the zoo is trying to defend its title again this year.
“We know we can make an even bigger impact this year — but we need your help,” says Aaron Jesue, DZS zookeeper and program organizer in a release. “By participating, you’re not only keeping electronic waste out of landfills —you’re also playing a direct role in protecting endangered gorillas in the wild.”
To donate, people can bring their old devices to collection boxes located at the zoo’s main entrance and the Ford Education Center.
Schools, businesses and other groups can also register as a team to collect devices in their communities.
The challenge goes through Sept. 1, but people are encouraged to donate devices throughout the year if they have them.
For more information about donating devices, visit here.
Gorillas on the Line was started seven years ago to help fight the destruction of gorilla habitats caused by mining materials to power cell phones.
Since it began, the recycling program has collected more than 94,000 electronic devices to generate more than $48,000 to help save wild gorillas.
SAFE Gorilla distributes the funding to organizations like the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, the Wildlife Conservation Society and GRACE Gorillas.
