(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 12, 2009 )
Denver, CO— This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Academy Award nominated movie, Gorillas in the Mist, starring Sigourney Weaver as real-life naturalist Dian Fossey and her work in the Congo with Mountain Gorillas. Although Dian Fossey died in 1985, her legacy continues on today in many forms. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (DFGFI) is dedicated to the conservation and protection of gorillas and their habitat in Africa. Baobab Expeditions, a company that takes modern day explorers on expeditions around the world, was hand-picked by the DFGFI for for partnership as their travel provider due to Baobab’s unique, exploratory approach to expeditions through Africa and its conviction to support both wildlife conservation and community organizations.
As a result of this partnership, Baobab Expeditions has created conservation travel itineraries in partnership with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund that are specifically designed to give guests a greater insight into how this charity operates while providing adventurers with an unforgettable vacation experience. These expeditions give travelers the opportunity to view gorillas in the wild and visit FosseyÂ’s historical stomping grounds. Since Dian FosseyÂ’s death, DFGFI has continued and expanded her pioneering work with endangered gorillas. In addition, DFGFI now operates programs for education, health, and economic development in local African communities.
Some of the activities of the DFGFI include:
• Daily monitoring, protection and study of the mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans, from the world-renowned Karisoke Research Center, founded by Dian Fossey. The center also operates educational programs, shares its scientific database with scientists and conservationists throughout the world, and provides training in tracking, anti-poaching, research, and other techniques.
• Working with a series of community-based preserves and national parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to help protect a unique eco-region that is home to the endangered Grauer’s gorilla and many other rare species.
• Helping to bring a healthier environment to local communities through health education, medical treatments, clean water, and disease prevention programs.
• Supporting special needs of local communities decimated by war, including orphanages, widows’ organizations, women’s business groups, and small-scale economic development.
• Providing educational opportunities, programs, and resources for local populations.
A portion of every Baobab trip booking goes towards this worthwhile organization. Trips are from 4-12 days and departure dates are year-round.
Baobab Expeditions
CONTACT: Richard Pfaeffli
TEL: 303 260 6489
E-MAIL: enquiries@baobabexpeditions.com
WEB: www.baobabexpeditions.com
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