Monday, 2 August 2010 – Catastrophic decline, precipitous loss, decimation”—these are the words used to describe the current situation for apes in the wild. Illegal hunting, habitat loss to mining, logging and agricultural conversion, disease and the pet trade all threaten the fragile existence of apes and their habitats. It is estimated that some species of apes will be extinct in as little as one human generation (20 years). Gorilla species are among the hardest hit.

The Association of Zoos and Aquarium's Ape Taxon Advisory Group Conservation Initiative represents a collective effort by zoos to help conserve wild populations of apes - together. The numerous AZA zoos can raise a significant sum for this end.

Launched in early 2010, the primary aim of the Initiative is to increase the amount and duration of zoo support for in situ ape conservation.

The UNEP/CMS Gorilla Agreement and the numerous priority sites and activities outlined in its Action Plans stand to benefit from the funds provided by AZA members, and we very much encourage the submission of gorilla project proposals. With all gorilla subspecies facing severe threats, and especially Eastern Lowland Gorillas and Cross River Gorillas coming increasingly close to extinction, there are good chances for such projects to be awarded funding.

Specific goals include:
- Providing multi-year support (minimum three years) for high priority ape populations and sites.
- Increasing the number of zoos contributing to the in situ conservation of apes.
- Increasing the presence of the zoo community in ape conservation.
- Encouraging law enforcement and in situ education through the support of sanctuaries.
- Providing zoos with resources to convey ape conservation messages to the public and promote their support for in situ conservation.

Funds are generated by contributions from supporting zoos; these funds are placed into a general fund that is equally distributed among projects selected for support.

To find out more about the program and how to submit project proposals, please go to http://www.clemetzoo.com/gorillassp/ConservationInitiative.html