Urgent Campaign Launched in Times Square to Save Endangered Gorillas

Gorillas Call for Help in Times Square

A new campaign by Gorilla51 Megazine is making waves globally with its heart-wrenching imagery and compelling messaging centered around the plight of endangered mountain gorillas. The launch featured a significant video and shots taken in the lush Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda, now showcased prominently on the iconic billboards of New York's Times Square. This campaign aims not just to present the beauty of these magnificent creatures but to highlight their critical situation and the dire need for conservation efforts.

The Heartbreaking Reality of the Gorillas

At the core of this movement is a striking video that opens with the famous roar of Tarzan, immediately grabbing the attention of onlookers. However, amid the visual appeal lies a sobering truth: the mountain gorillas are at risk of extinction. With habitat destruction caused by, among other things, the mining of coltan used in smartphones, experts warn that nearly half of the world's remaining gorillas, residing in this specific region, are in grave danger. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified three of the four subspecies of gorillas as critically endangered due to these threats.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park spans an impressive 321 square kilometers and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, yet the beauty it shelters is marred by the destructive practices linked to modern technology. The film not only showcases these majestic animals but also highlights how our technology-driven lifestyle—particularly through mobile phones—is contributing to their demise.

A Visual Call to Action

Prominent in this campaign is a haunting image captured by acclaimed photographer Ji Young-Bin. Collaborating with Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), his photograph depicts a gorilla’s sorrowful gaze juxtaposed against discarded technological relics. Ji explains, “Smartphones symbolize progress, yet the devastation they cause in gorilla habitats is alarming. This isn’t only art, it's a clarion call for conscious living and sustainable choices.”

The powerful visuals are complemented by the poignant soundtrack of “Mayday,” further accentuating the emotional weight of the footage, leaving viewers to reflect on the impact of their choices on wildlife.

Expanding the Movement

What begins in the bustling heart of Times Square quickly reverberates through social media channels, energizing audiences and prompting them to take action. The partnership between Ji Young-Bin and CTPH signifies a long-term commitment to gorilla conservation, with an online exhibition currently available on the campaign's website, inviting worldwide participation.

The initiative is the brainchild of chief planner Ji Haesoo, with visual contributions from Ji Young-Bin, cinematography by Kyeho Kim, and music by Jo Woo-Jin, known for his work with prominent artists. Together, they challenge viewers to reconsider everyday habits, questioning the hidden costs of their conveniences.

Ultimately, the campaign raises a pressing question: “How many lives are we willing to sacrifice for our own comfort?” It pushes the narrative surrounding personal responsibility and global awareness regarding biodiversity loss, bridging the gap between modern convenience and conservation.

Watch the stirring video here: Gorillas Deserve Better

For more details on how you can help in this pressing issue, visit Gorilla51's website. Together, we can forge a path for a sustainable future, ensuring that future generations can witness the grace of gorillas in their natural habitat.