Turning phones into funds

At first glance old cell phones, zoos in the Czech Republic and gorillas in Cameroon have nothing in common and yet Africa’s wildlife is finding an unlikely source of help in the fundraising schemes promoted by zoos in Prague and the south-eastern town of Zlin. Thanks to a cell-phone recycling programme, the zoos are helping to protect gorillas in the Dja reserve in Cameroon. 

Large plastic collection tanks placed at the entrance to the zoos collect old cell phones, for each phone the zoos receive 10 crowns (40 euro cents) from a partner company, REMA System, which ensures the safe recycling of electronic waste. The funds will be used by the Dja reserve to protect gorillas from poaching by buying tents, binoculars, boots and satellite communication equipment for the patrol guards.

The initiative, which was launched in Prague last year, coincides this year with the European Zoo Association‘s ape campaign, which aims to raise awareness of and funds for the protection of the world’s apes.

Last year, the zoo in Prague invited hundreds of schools to visit for the price of just 1 koruna (0.4 euro cents) per pupil on condition that the class bring at least 20 cell phones for recycling.

The Dja reserve, which is in south-eastern Cameroon, is one of the best protected and best preserved of the African reserves and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The gorillas it was set up to protect are, however, at exposed both to poachers and the expansion of mining operations, in particular the mining of coltan, a metallic ore used in the production of electronics.

“As old phones are often resold, especially in third-world countries, we are giving a 100-percent guarantee that they (phones handed in at the zoo) will be recycled,” said the director of the zoo in Prague.  

Zlin Zoo website: www.zoozlin.eu

To get really hooked on zoos visit: www.zooborns.com