Gorilla tracking goes online

Sep 21, 2009

UGANDA is to launch online gorilla tracking, Serapio Rukundo, the tourism state minister, has said. He explained that this was due to a global demand for conservation tourism and promotion of primate tourism. The project was aimed at bringing attention to

By Paul Tentena

UGANDA is to launch online gorilla tracking, Serapio Rukundo, the tourism state minister, has said. He explained that this was due to a global demand for conservation tourism and promotion of primate tourism. The project was aimed at bringing attention to the plight of gorillas, he said.

“Through the www.friendagorilla.org website, gorilla lovers will have a chance to befriend any of the seven habituated gorilla families in the Bwindi National Park at $1,” said Rukundo.

Moses Mapesa, the Uganda Wildlife Authority chief, added that the website would have sections like geo-track, where one could track gorillas using global positioning system coordinates that the authority’s gorilla-trackers would be given regularly.

“Strategically placed cameras in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest will stream video footage of gorillas to audiences worldwide,” noted Mapesa. He said the service would begin on September 26.

“It will also allow users on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace to ‘befriend a gorilla,” he added.

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