To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Karisoke Research Center by Dian Fossey, we have been running a special fundraising campaign to raise $100,000 for gorilla protection – all in just one month. We’re proud to announce that as of Sept. 30, when the campaign officially ended, we surpassed this goal and raised more than $128,000.
This campaign was a success because of the involvement of a wide variety of supporters, including our board members, whose generous match offers got a significant response from our broad community of donors.
The money raised will make a significant difference in supporting our daily gorilla protection and related programs, as well as the education and community efforts that we’ve built in Rwanda over the past 50 years. The funds will also help support our newer efforts in Congo, to help save the Grauer’s gorillas, whose numbers have plummeted in recent years and who have received far less protection and study.
“So many years after Dian Fossey started her work in the forest, it is wonderful to see so many people coming together to help support the continuation of her passion and quest to save gorillas,” says Dr. Tara Stoinski, Fossey Fund president and CEO/chief scientific officer. “Gorilla conservation is truly a global team effort and we’re excited to see our team grow through this anniversary campaign!”
Spreading the word
More than 500 people directly participated in the campaign, surpassing the $100,000 goal. In addition to raising crucial funds, the “Protect their Future” campaign also reached a large audience and brought in many new people to the cause of gorilla conservation. News of the fundraising campaign reached more than 1.5 million users through the Fossey Fund’s social media channels and website. In fact, our 50th anniversary was also the inspiration for starting the first-ever “World Gorilla Day,” which will now continue annually.
