Friend a Gorilla, Save Its Future

Only about 700 of them are left in Africa -- the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, to be exact -- and they need our help. The rare mountain gorilla wasn't even discovered by its less-hairy, tool-wielding, primate cousins until 1902, but wave after wave of armed violence near the Virunga Mountains have threatened the massive animals with extinction.

The following African Wildlife Foundation video discusses the plight of the gorillas:

It's heartbreaking to think there isn't much we can do to ensure their survival as a species but now Facebook users, at least, can "friend" a gorilla to help raise awareness and generate money for conservation efforts.

As reported by BBC News, the Uganda Wildlife Authority's "Friend a Gorilla" campaign will allow anyone with a Facebook account to enter its microsite and click to add a gorilla to their list of friends, just like they do with fellow homo sapiens. The initiative will help raise funds for conservation efforts and also is an attempt to raise Uganda's profile as a tourist destination for gorilla-watching expeditions.

UWA's Lillian Nsubuga, as quoted by BBC, explains how it works:

"If you like him and you choose him then you pay $1 and his face will appear on your Facebook page; then in addition to human friends you will have gorilla friends."

Actor Jason Biggs, of "American Pie" fame, is helping to promote the effort, which goes live on September 26. Thankfully, he will not star in a gorilla-themed sequel to the raunchy teen comedy.

Photo courtesy of Kabir, via Wikimedia Commons