Hand over your old mobile and help a bonobo

FAMILIES looking to help and support conservation all over the world during February Half Term should head to Twycross Zoo and take any unwanted mobile phones with them.

A spoesperson said: “Just by walking through the gates of Twycross Zoo makes an immediate positive effect on conservation, but to make an even bigger impact the Midlands zoo is also calling for visitors to bring old mobile phones to recycle and support bonobo conservation too.

There are a staggering 7 billion mobile phones in the world which works out at one for every person! Each mobile phone contains coltan, 85% of which is mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the only place on earth where wild bonobos live.

“Mass mobile phone production and the constant need for this mineral has led to a devastating 90% of bonobo habitats being destroyed, and as a result this species is in rapid decline.

Twycross Zoo has partnered with Clover Environmental Solutions to launch a much-needed mobile phone recycling scheme.

All visitors have to do is hand in their old mobile phones to guest services at the zoo, where they will be sent away and refurbished, or the 70-80 minerals inside will be reused to make new phones, making a difference to bonobo conservation and protecting their habitats.

During half term the zoo will be educating visitors of all ages in their daily ranger talks and providing information on how they can put their best foot forward to protect the planet.

The Midlands conservation charity wants to shed some light on small changes that all of us can do to make a mark on conservation.

Freisha Patel, Twycross Zoo’s Research & Conservation Coordinator

said: “Every visitor that comes to Twycross Zoo this February Half Term is supporting our conservation mission, supporting all of our species here in the zoo and support organisations across the world to protect endangered animals like the Bonobo.

“However, we can all do more and it is vitally important that us as a conservation charity, help educate our visitors in the other ways in which we can look after our planet and it’s wildlife.

This way we can all play our part in the current nature crisis.

“The time to make a difference is now and if everyone made small changes it would collectively make a huge impact to the world’s natural habitats. Over half term, with our visitors’ help we hope to collect 2000 mobile phones to support Bonobo conservation.”

Twycross Zoo supports conservation projects from Belize to Congo including the world’s only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos, Lola ya Bonobo. Funds raised by the zoo, by ticket sales and more, support the species in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Twycross Zoo relies on the generosity of its customers to support its vital, worldwide conservation work. For further information, or to book tickets this February Half Term, please visit www.twycrosszoo.org/feb-half-term/

Phones can also be sent in through the post to: Guest Services, Twycross zoo, Burton Rd, Atherstone CV9 3PX.