Gorillas on the Line

We have resumed collecting cell phones and small electronics for recycling at the ticket window! Please see below for details about accepted items.

Gorillas on the Line image

Gorillas on the Line... Answer the Call!

We are joining Gorilla SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) and the Gorilla Species Survival Plan for Gorillas on the Line… Answer the Call!. This global program aims to increase recycling of cell phones and small electronics in an effort to raise funds for gorilla conservation, and protect habitats for wildlife in Central Africa, where materials are mined. Through August 2024, donate your cell phones and tablets at the zoo to be recycled. Remember to delete your personal information before donating your electronics.

Items we can accept include:
  • cell phones
  • all smartphones
  • all tablets
  • Apple/Android watches
  • GPS
  • MP3 players
  • e-readers
  • digital cameras
  • handheld gaming systems
  • headphones
  • and accessories that come with any of the above devices
  • Laptops are NOT accepted for this program, but can be recycled at Alachua County Hazardous Waste
Where are the electronics donated?

Collected devices will be shipped to ECO-CELL to be properly recycled or upcycled. Proceeds from recycled devices will support Gorilla SAFE conservation initiatives. In addition to the monetary support, recycling old cell phones helps reduce the demand for coltan and protects gorilla habitat in Africa. Coltan is a critical component of cell phones and other small electronics and is mined in the forests of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo-right in the middle of gorilla habitat. As a result of mining for coltan, critical habitat has been destroyed and gorillas have been displaced or even killed by poachers.

Goals & Results

Since the campaign began in 2019, zoos around the country have collaboratively recycled more than 77,000 electronic devices and raised over $49,000 for gorilla conservation.

2024 represents the sixth year of the Gorillas on the Line...Answer the Call with a goal to collect 17,000 electronic devices and raise $12,000 for gorilla conservation!

Help us meet the goal! Donate your electronics for recycling at the zoo through August 2024.

"Give Five to Gorillas!"

Want to make an additional impact? You can now make a donation directly to support gorillas without donating electronics. "Give Five to Gorillas" today!
*This PayPal donation site is hosted by Zoo Atlanta with all donations going to Gorilla SAFE*