Endangered Animals

A portion of the profits from the sale of this book will go to two different non-profits which support Mountain Gorillas in the wild.

For more information on other ways you can help the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda go to:

www.gorillafund.org (Dian Fossey) & www.theellenfund (Ellen DeGeneres)

Gorilla Fun Facts

World Gorilla Day! Kwita Izina

September 24 is Rwanda’s annual gorilla naming ceremony. A very exciting time for Fossey Fund staff and all devoted gorilla supporters because it’s a time to celebrate all the newest baby mountain gorillas born to the gorilla families of Virunga National Park. During the 2021 celebration, 24 babies were named, including several baby gorillas born into families that are protected and monitored by the Fossey Fund. Some of the names were chosen by our heroes—trackers, rangers, and frontline conservationists.

NAM-holding-NAMINF-21-JUN-21-KRC-Laban-Kayitet

Mpanuro

born Feb. 6, 2021. Name means “Guidance” and was chosen by Jeanne d’Arc Uwamahoro and Alphonsine Niwemugeni.

TEGINF-18-JUN-2021.KRC-Honorine-3-1-2048x1536

Twirinde

born Dec. 24, 2020. Name means “Protection” and a Christmas gift for the Ntambara’s family! Named by Professor Beth Kaplin.

Nzeli-Mother-Kureba-Group-RV3_2729-2

Kura

born Feb. 9, 2021. Name means “Rise” and the newest member of Pablo’s family. Named by honored guest, Bukayo Saka.

  • A mountain gorilla’s natural habitat is the tropical rainforests of Central Africa.
  • Silverback is the name given to the adult male gorilla because of the silvery fur running across their backs and hips.
  • Humans and gorillas have a very similar genetic makeup. As close relatives, we share 98% of our DNA.
  • Adult male Gorillas are 6 times as strong as a man. Standing up to 6 feet tall (182 cm) with arms that extend up to 8 feet (243 cm) wide, making them the largest living primates. They can weigh between 200-400 pounds (90-181 kg). Babies are born at 4 pounds (2 kg).
  • Gorillas can live in the wild 40 to 50 years.
  • They are herbivores, feasting on roots, plants, herbs, fruit, bamboo, tree bark, and occasionally insects.
  • Gorillas are very intelligent. They communicate with one another through vocalizations, body language, facial expressions, and gestures.
  • Gorillas give birth to one baby at a time, and it takes 9 months for a mom to make a baby.
  • Gorillas are “endangered” animals and need our help for their survival.

A portion of the profits from the sale of this book will go to a non-profit rescue foundation that supports Lipizzaners who need a safe haven from abuse, malnutrition, or are in physically dangerous or neglectful situations.

For more information on how you can help, please visit:
www.lipizzanerrescuefoundation.org.

Lipizzaner Fun Facts

lipizzanwebsite1
lipizzanwebsite
  • Lipizzaners are born with dark coats that lighten as they age to become almost pure white by the time the horse is 10. Although an occasional dark adult horse is produced, this has become increasingly rare.
  • Lipizzaners have strong, arched necks, short, powerful legs, and sturdy barrels. Their large dark eyes and small ears add to their charm.
  • Only stallions are ridden, and it takes many years of careful and incremental training to perfect the technique of both riders and horses.
  • A Horse for Royalty: Lipizzaners date back to the Hapsburg Monarchy and were part of the Holy Roman Empire. They were excellent for use in the military because they are fast, sturdy, and agile.
  • They are named for their roots: the village of Lipizza, now Slovenia.
  • The Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria is the world’s oldest riding school, home to the legendary Lipizzaner Stallions since the 1500s, and considered an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
  • “Operation Cowboy” during the end of World War II is an inspiring and true tale of heroism and love for the breed. American General George S. Patton teamed up with Austrian Colonel Alois Podhajsky, and they went behind enemy lines to rescue the remaining Lipizzaners from Hitler’s Army, and the Red Army.