When I first began to blog about the Earth and the natural world, I knew it would not be easy. Sometimes I become overwhelmed with all of the avoidable tragedies occuring on a global scale. Some days I feel it is a downhill battle, and I become discouraged. Yet most days I am optimistic, and strive for a better place for all of us (man and animal alike) to live in a harmonious balance. I have been in the middle of an unpleasant battle on my own homefront. My family is in turmoil, and I am falling short of my environmental and nature goals. This does not mean I have given up. It just means my skills as a parent and concientious human being have been shifted to a different front as of late.

Today I would like to share a message which touches upon a subject dear to my heart. I have followed the journey of Koko the Gorilla for a very long time. I love all animals, yet Koko has endeared herself quite soundly! Let’s take a few moments to delve into the most current chapter of Koko’s story, and see what we can do to help out…

Dear Teri,

I wanted to share some exciting news with you ? the United Nations has declared 2009 The Year of the Gorilla. I urge you to observe this with us by renewing your commitment to the Gorilla Foundation today.

During this special year, we all need to intensify our efforts to raise awareness and encourage action.? Gorillas need more than a stimulus package; they need a safety net. Your gift today will allow us to:

? Extend Koko’s ambassadorship through unique conservation-values educational programs both in the US and Africa ? inspiring children to become enlightened stewards of the earth (click for an example of our progress in Cameroon).
   
? Expand interspecies communication knowledge by exploring the many subtle ways gorillas communicate – even beyond their use of signs and untaught gestures – to deepen our appreciation of how they feel and think ? and underscore how tragic it would be to lose them.
   
? Advance our plans for the first tropical gorilla preserve outside of Africa ? the Maui Ape Preserve ? now that many obstacles are being overcome.? The preserve will be a home for Koko and Ndume, a haven for gorillas in need, and an international resource for great ape conservation.


Please donate today

.? While the year is bursting with opportunities for us, it also promises to be one of our most challenging ever financially.? Even as we streamline our budgets and expand our reliance on volunteers, we need your support more than ever.

Thank you so very much, and please accept my deepest gratitude for your generous donations during this very special year.

 

Penny and KokoPenny signature
Koko signature		 Penny & Koko


Penny Patterson, President and Director of Research
Koko, “Fine animal gorilla person”

PS: When you donate, you’ll receive an official Gorilla Foundation membership card (above right) and unique gorilla bookmarks (right) in addition to all of our other membership benefits. If you’ve already renewed your support (or are an APE member) thank you so much!

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