Let’s start with something sitting in your drawer right now.
An old phone. Maybe two. Maybe five.
It might feel like yesterday’s technology, but it still has a story to tell, and surprisingly, that story connects all the way to gorillas in the wild.
And here at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, where gorilla history runs deep, that connection matters more than ever.
A Legacy That Started with Colo
Before we talk about phones, let’s talk about a name that changed everything: Colo.
Born right here at the Columbus Zoo in 1956, Colo was the first gorilla in the world born into professional care. Her life helped transform how zoos care for gorillas and contributed to global conservation efforts that continue today.
That legacy lives on in every step we take to protect gorillas, both here and in their natural habitats.
Including something as simple as recycling a phone.
What Do Gorillas and Cell Phones Have in Common?
More than you might think.
Cell phones and small electronics rely on a mineral called coltan. It helps power the devices we use every day. But here’s the catch: Coltan is often mined in regions where gorillas live, particularly in parts of Central Africa.
When mining expands into these areas, it can lead to:
- Habitat destruction
- Deforestation
- Increased risk of poaching
- Instability in local ecosystems
For already endangered species like gorillas, those impacts add up quickly.
A Small Action with a Global Impact
This is where you come in.
Recycling your old phones and small electronics helps:
- Reduce the demand for new mining
- Keep harmful materials out of landfills
- Support conservation programs working directly with gorillas
Through the Gorillas on the Line program, devices are recycled and the proceeds support organizations like the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
What Is Gorillas on the Line?
Gorillas on the Line is a global conservation campaign led by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Gorilla SAFE program. It brings together zoos, schools, businesses, and communities with one simple goal: Collect and recycle as many small electronics as possible to help protect gorillas.
Every device donated becomes part of a much bigger conservation story.
How You Can Help Right Now
You don’t need a plane ticket or a science degree. Just a drawer full of old tech.
Recycle your old devices! Drop off cell phones and small electronics at designated collection bins at the Columbus Zoo.
Accepted items include:
- Cell phones and smartphones
- Tablets and smart watches
- MP3 players and e-readers
- Cameras, headphones, and accessories
Spread the Word
- Tell your friends, your coworkers, your family. One device is helpful. A community effort is powerful.
- Make It a Habit: You can recycle year-round. And during annual collection challenges, your impact can grow even bigger.
Why This Matters to Us and to You
At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, our mission is rooted in creating meaningful connections between people, animals, and the natural world. Sometimes that connection looks like standing face-to-face with a gorilla. And, sometimes, it looks like choosing what to do with an old phone.
Both matter.
Because protecting wildlife starts at home.
One Last Thing Before You Go
Take a quick look around.
If you’ve got an old device tucked away, you’re already holding a chance to make a difference.
And that’s a pretty powerful thing for something that no longer even turns on.
