How Your Old Tech Can Help Gorillas in the Wild

LITTLE ROCK (March 6, 2025) – We’ve all seen it: a drawer or box filled with old electronics—smartphones, chargers, music players, and more. While these items might seem harmless, they contribute to the growing issue of electronic waste (e-waste), one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally.

E-waste includes everything from broken televisions to outdated laptops, and much of it ends up in landfills. Improper disposal can release harmful substances, like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which leach into the environment and pose serious risks to wildlife. As these toxic chemicals seep into soil and water, they can harm ecosystems—including those that support endangered species like gorillas.

Photo by: Dr. Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz.

The Hidden Impact of E-Waste on Gorilla Conservation

Though it might not seem obvious, e-waste directly affects wildlife, including gorillas. Found in the forests of Africa, gorillas rely on a delicate balance in their environment. Unfortunately, habitat destruction, poaching, and pollution are significant threats to their survival, and e-waste only adds to these challenges.

The accumulation of electronic devices in landfills, particularly in developing countries, contaminates local habitats. As these areas become polluted, gorillas and other wildlife lose access to clean water and safe spaces. Additionally, the growing demand for electronics and the mining of precious metals—such as coltan—used in devices leads to deforestation, further encroaching on gorilla habitats.

Gorillas on the Line: A Nationwide Conservation Effort

Gorillas on the Line is a national initiative encouraging the recycling of old electronics to help protect gorilla habitats. Many handheld electronics contain coltan, a mineral mined from regions where gorillas live. The demand for coltan drives habitat destruction, putting gorilla populations at risk. By recycling old devices, we can reduce the need for new mining and support conservation efforts through the Gorilla SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program.

The Little Rock Zoo has participated in this initiative for several years, and we’re excited to continue our efforts. We collect devices year-round, but the official Gorillas on the Line campaign runs from February 1 to September 1. This year, zoos across the country aim to collect 25,000 devices and raise $15,000 for gorilla conservation. Your contribution helps us ‘Answer the Call’ to protect gorillas and their habitats.

Photo by: Dr. Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz.

How You Can Help

Do you have old cell phones, tablets, or other small electronics collecting dust? Bring them to our drop-off box located at the front entry plaza and contribute to gorilla conservation at the same time.

We accept a variety of small devices, including:
✔️ Cell phones & smartphones
✔️ iPads & tablets
✔️ iPods & MP3 players
✔️ Apple Watches
✔️ Handheld gaming systems
✔️ Headphones & chargers
✔️ Adapters, cords, and other small accessories

If it’s smaller than a laptop and fits in the box, we can recycle it!

📌 No Zoo admission is required to drop off your devices. 📆 Collections continue year-round!

Make a Donation

Don’t have any electronics to recycle? You can still make a difference by donating to support the Gorillas on the Line campaign. Every dollar helps protect gorilla habitats, fund research, and support conservation education.

Join us in making a lasting impact—recycle, donate, and help us save gorillas in the wild. Together, we can make a difference!