Ted Turner Makes Major Donation to Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International

Ted Turner Contributes $1 million to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

WEBWIRE – Wednesday, March 7, 2012

ATLANTA (GA) – Philanthropist and environmentalist Ted Turner announced tonight his contribution of $1 million to the Atlanta-based Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (Fossey Fund), geared toward helping to save endangered gorillas in eastern Congo.

In making his announcement, Turner expressed pride that the Fossey Fund is based in his hometown of Atlanta (at Zoo Atlanta), and praised the work the organization does in Africa through the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda, founded by Dian Fossey in 1967. The Fossey Fund’s work in Rwanda has led to the mountain gorilla being the only ape species whose numbers are increasing. But gorillas in Congo have received little protection and their numbers are plummeting.

“I’ve been involved in the environmental movement for a long time. And working to protect these wonderful creatures is part of that equation,” Turner said. “When we lose one species – as we do too frequently in our over-crowded, over-polluted world, we lose part of ourselves. I can’t think of a more important effort than protecting our world, our globe, our environment – and that includes protecting those who inhabit it, including the gorillas of Africa.”

Clare Richardson, president and CEO of the Fossey Fund, said, “The Fossey Fund is very fortunate indeed to have the kind of support that Ted Turner is providing. It is made even more notable because his contribution comes just after the 80th anniversary of Dian Fossey’s birth. The work she began in 1967 has never stopped, and we have made great gains in recent years. But the challenges have never stopped either, and with this wonderful contribution, we can begin to export our expertise to other gorilla populations in need, such as in Congo.”

“It comes down to this: every single gorilla counts; every single person counts in protecting the gorillas; and every single dollar counts in supporting the work to protect the gorillas,” Turner said. “That is why tonight I am announcing my contribution of $1 million to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. It is my hope that this money will allow the Fossey Fund to not only continue the great work they do now – and have done for many years – but to expand that work and make it possible to do much more – for the gorillas, for the people, and for the environment in which they all make their home.”

At a special event at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History tonight, Turner also issued a challenge, by urging others to open their hearts – and their bank accounts – and also support the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

“We may live on the opposite side of the planet from Africa, but what happens there can and will affect what happens here – and all around our fragile planet,” he concluded.

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About the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International is dedicated to the conservation and protection of gorillas and their habitats in Africa. Founded by Dr. Dian Fossey as the Digit Fund and renamed after her death, the Fossey Fund operates the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda, and maintains a staff of scientists, trackers and anti-poaching patrols in Volcanoes National Park. The Fund also works with community-managed reserves and national parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and operates extensive education, health and other community outreach programs. For more information, visit http://gorillafund.org.