
Protect Gorillas from Illegal Hunting


Protect Gorillas from Illegal Hunting!
Western gorillas are increasingly being hunted and eaten
as the "bushmeat" crisis escalates in Africa.
This crisis is driven by a combination of organized, illegal
commercial hunting, coupled with greater access into once
remote areas by way of new roads. And the crisis is having
a devastating impact on the survival of western gorillas.
It is estimated that across central and west Africa the
number of western gorillas killed each year are in the thousands.
Wildlife Conservation Society scientists and other gorilla
researchers now believe that if the laws to stop the illegal
hunting are not better enforced western gorillas could be
threatened with extinction in just a few years!
This large-scale commercial poaching of gorillas, even in
national parks, has become rampant due to rapid expansion
of logging, civil unrest, and lack of management despite
the fact that poaching is illegal!
Fortunately, western gorillas have a friend in PATTYCAKE...
a 30 year old lowland gorilla -- the first born in New York
City -- who
now
calls the Bronx Zoo her home. Pattycake is an ambassador
for her "cousins" in the wild. This summer, all
visitors to Pattycake's home at the Bronx Zoo can vote their
admission dollars towards anti-poaching efforts in Africa
in the hopes of helping to save Pattycake's species! However,
we need more help.
According to experts, the actual number of western gorillas
remaining is rapidly falling from the most recent estimate
of 100,000 animals. We need your help to make this a priority
for the U.S. government. Sign this petition to urge President
Bush to increase funding for the Great Ape Conservation
Fund!
Sign now and help protect gorillas from illegal hunting!
ACT NOW!
Dear President Bush,
As a citizen concerned about the plight of some of the planet's
threatened animals -- gorillas -- I urge you to increase funding
for the Great Ape Conservation Fund in FY 2004. 
The Great Ape Conservation Fund is helping to protect gorillas,
chimpanzees, orangutans and bonobos from further decline by
funding efforts to reduce illegal hunting and habitat destruction.
U.S. leadership in great ape conservation also encourages significant matching support from governments and private organizations.
Please increase funding for great apes next year.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned. assinar petiçãoassinar petição