Gorilla tracking goes online

Sep 21, 2009

The project is aimed at bringing attention to the plight of gorillas.

By Paul Tentena

KAMPALA - Uganda is to launch online gorilla tracking, tourism state minister Serapio Rukundo, has said.

He explained that this is due to a global demand for conservation tourism and promotion of primate tourism.

The project is 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 (UWA) chief, said the website would have sections like geo-track, where one can track gorillas using global positioning system co-ordinates 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.

It is understood 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", added the UWA boss.

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