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Few people ever have the chance to see Ugandan mountain gorillas in person--they're among the rarest animals on earth, and they're critically endangered. And chances are, if you're reading this, you don't live anywhere near Uganda. But if you want to get a close-up look at the mountain gorillas anyways, there's a new online program that's launching at the end of the month that could help you out.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority is launching an online gorilla tracking program that will allow users to view the gorillas through a series of cameras set up in the dense forests they inhabit. Green Inc. reports:
"For a minimum donation of $1, subscribers will be able track the movements of individual gorillas through a custom-made Web site, and strategically placed cameras in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest will stream video footage of gorillas to audiences worldwide."
In addition to access to footage, the program will allow users to "befriend a gorilla" on social media networks like Facebook and Twitter. Far from a gimmick, the program will allow supporters to follow along when natural park rangers make expeditions to make contact with the gorillas--and bring the cameras.
So you're not just getting access to a handful of stationary cameras--you actually get to see the animals in action, and interacting with park rangers. It's likely the closest you're going to get to the gorillas--of which there are only 720 left in existence--and it's a great opportunity to support a fantastic conservation cause.
Head to Friend a Gorilla to get more details, and to sign up once the program launches.
