LITTLE ROCK (October 8, 2025)— Since 2021, the Little Rock Zoo has participated in the Gorillas on the Line program, organized by the AZA’s Gorilla SAFE initiative, that raises money and awareness for gorilla conservation.
Through a partnership with Eco-Cell, the Zoo recycles old cell phones, helping the environment while raising money for gorilla conservation. Zoos and aquariums across North America are participating in this effort to protect gorillas in the wild.
This program addresses a critical conservation issue: many handheld electronics are made with coltan, a mineral mined in wild gorilla habitats. By recycling old devices, we lessen the demand for newly mined materials. At the same time, proceeds from recycled devices are sent directly to the Gorilla SAFE program, supporting habitat protection, monitoring, conservation education, and more.
Since the Little Rock Zoo began participating, a total of 813 devices have been recycled, with 2025 marking a record-breaking year at 216 devices recycled.
Here’s a look at the program’s progress over the years:
- 2021: 173 devices
- 2022: 200 devices
- 2023: 63 devices
- 2024: 161 devices
- 2025: 216 devices
How You Can Help
Do you have an old cell phone lying around? Drop it off at the collection box in the Zoo’s front entry plaza. No ticket is required to participate, and donations are accepted year-round.
✅ We Accept:
- Cell phones
- Tablets/E-readers
❌ We Cannot Accept:
- Laptops, keyboards, alarm systems, or other large or unrelated electronics.
Please take these items to the City of Little Rock’s Green Station for proper recycling.
Every recycled device helps reduce the demand for new mining, raises funds for gorilla conservation, and supports efforts to protect these incredible animals in the wild. Thank you for participating in this important initiative— and helping ensure a future for gorillas in their natural habitats.
