# @thetorontozoo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DO_UBIPjtH3
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/34895697-thetorontozoo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/719e9b4797.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-09-24T15:01:20.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Toronto Zoo (@thetorontozoo) — https://gondola.cc/thetorontozoo

## Caption

It was a recent visit to the Toronto Zoo by 13-year-old Lindsay of Belleville, Ontario that inspired greater action on her part to protect Western lowland gorillas in-sit and a proud #GuardianofGorillas 🦍

Hear directly from Lindsay about her contributions to your Zoo’s PhoneApes program and discover how you can make your own impact from wherever you are ⬇️

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"During a visit to the Toronto Zoo when I was seven years old as a Girl Guide, I had the opportunity to meet gorilla keepers and representatives from Ape Action Africa, who shared with me the challenges gorillas face in the wild. Inspired by this encounter, I expressed to my Mom my desire to assist gorillas in their natural habitat. 

After speaking with the Zoo,  I started a collection drive for used phones and devices to contribute to the PhoneApes program at the Zoo. I had boxes up all over my community in places such as my church, town hall, the local grocery store and the hardware store to name a few.

To date, I have made multiple donations totalling 436 devices, and I am currently planning another donation before the end of this year to reach my 500 device goal. Over the years, I've engaged many teachers and classrooms in this program, encouraging them to participate in device collection efforts. I've also invited my town and church communities to get involved. My aim is to raise awareness about the significance of recycling electronics, thereby lessening the necessity to extract resources from the gorillas' habitats in the Congo. I have given a number of presentations at my school, church, Guides group, and various other venues, focusing on the critical need to conserve gorilla habitats in the Congo. 

I strongly believe that these animals lack a voice of their own, which is why I've taken it upon myself to advocate for them and raise awareness about the significance of preserving their environment." #savingspecies #CommunityConnection

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,777
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 6

## Tags

guardianofgorillas, communityconnection, savingspecies

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