Pint-sized volunteer Isaac French has collected 83 mobile phones in support of Zoos Victoria’s gorilla conservation campaign, They’re Calling on You.
The campaign raises funds for gorilla conservation and to reduce the impact of coltan mining on gorilla habitats in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Illegal mining of coltan, a mineral used in mobile phones, is one of the biggest threats to gorillas in the wild.
Seven-year-old Isaac, who is a member of the 1st Point Cook Scout Group, took on the challenge for his Joey Scouts Promise Challenge badge, which is awarded on the basis of community work or “duty to others” and is the loftiest badge a Joey can attain.
“I collected [the phones] from lots of places,” he said.
“I collected them from school, Joeys Scouts, and I also collected them at dad’s work.
“We put a message on Facebook and we had friends and cousins give us phones.”
Isaac handed the mobile phones to Werribee Open Range Zoo last Thursday and also met two of the zoo’s gorillas.
Zookeeper Kelly Hobbs said the zoo was thrilled with Isaac’s efforts and would love to see more people get involved in the program.
Details: www.zoo.com.au/callingonyou
Charlene Macaulay
