The UNEP Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the UNEP/UNESCO Great Ape Survival Partnership (GRASP) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) have joined hands to declare 2009 the Year of the Gorilla (YoG).

The "Year of the Gorilla" was launched at a ceremony in Rome by UN officials with the help of Prince Albert II of Monaco and representatives from more than 100 governments.

Experts have warned that without urgent action gorillas will become extinct in the wild within a few decades.  Three out of the four gorilla species are listed as critically endangered.

Why Gorillas are Endangered

Gorillas are under increasing threat of extinction as a result of unsustainable human activities. Human poverty in the gorilla range states is one of the most important factors. Gorillas are threatened by armed conflicts, diseases, deforestation and bushmeat hunting.

“People living in and around the last forested areas are struggling to survive," said YoG Patron Jane Goodall. “If we can’t help these people find ways of living that do not involve continual destruction of the forest, we shall fail in our efforts to protect these wonderful great apes—our closest living relatives."

Only 700 mountain gorillas and less than 350 Cross River gorillas are left in the wild.

Year of the Gorilla Edition

To celebrate the Year of the Gorilla, the African Conservation Foundation and Canadian high realist artist Daniel Taylor created two special editions of the Mountain gorilla print series.

This powerful art work features the Mountain gorilla, flagship species of the famous Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa.

Two editions are available:

Fine Art Giclee
Edition size: s/n 120
Dimensions: 16 ½ x 24 inches
Price: $300

Giclee Canvas
Edition size: Artist's Proof, only 10 prints!!
Dimensions: 27 ¾ x 40 inches 
Price: $1800

Goal is to support the YoG initiatives and raise funds and awareness for gorilla conservation by the Great Ape Survival Partnership (GRASP).  80% of the funds will go directly to the project that you donated to.