Feb. 1 – Sept.1, 2024
The Louisville Zoo and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Gorilla SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) conservation initiative are working together with the Louisville based company, Eco-Cell, to recycle cell phones, help the environment, and raise money for The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International as part of the sixth year of Gorillas on the Line. Zoos and aquariums across the continent are collecting mobile phones for gorilla conservation! And you can help save gorillas too by recycling your old phones at the zoo!
Goal
In 2024, participating zoos hope to collect 12,000 phones/devices. The Louisville Zoo collected 613 in 2023! With your help, we might even break our 2023 record-breaking goal of 35,174 devices!
- 2019: 12,486 devices collected and $6,055 raised
- 2020: 6,194 devices collected and over $2,000 raised
- 2021: 10,116 devices collected and over $2,400 raised
- 2022: 13,885 devices collected and $10,442 raised
- 2023: 35,174 devices collected and $28,337 raised
Since 2019, participating zoos have collected 77,855 devices and raised $49,234 for gorilla conservation.
It’s going to take all of us to help save gorillas from extinction. We are so excited to have you on board. Thanks again from all of us at the Louisville Zoo.
Why are we collecting cell phones for gorillas?
Recycling old phones/electronics raises money to directly support gorilla conservation initiatives through Gorilla SAFE programs. All proceeds from donated devices sent to Eco-Cell will be sent to the Gorilla SAFE program. Money raised will help with habitat protection, monitoring, education about gorilla conservation and more! Gorillas are on the line. Join us to answer the call and help save gorillas in the wild!
What do we accept?
ANY kind of cell phone will be accepted — even the big, heavy ones from years ago that wouldn’t come close to fitting in your pocket now. You may also donate handheld electronic devices such as digital music players, GPS units, gaming devices, tablets and handheld gaming systems.
How to Participate
Simply drop your cell phone off in the Eco-Cell box located on the Zoo’s main plaza before. Learn more about items accepted.
Making a Difference
ECO-Cell does not clear cell phones of data or content left on phones. It is the responsibility of the donating party to cancel or switch service on the phone and to delete any data such as phone numbers, text messages, pictures, emails, documents, etc. that might be on the cell phone.
ECO-Cell sends donated phones to refurbishing companies who often delete any content left on phones, but Eco-Cell cannot guarantee that content will always be deleted. Therefore it is Eco-Cell’s position and recommendation that those wishing to donate a phone take the time to clear phone of all data to ensure maximum privacy.