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Renowned primatologist Dr Jane Goodall has helped Melbourne Zoo launch a mobile phone recycling campaign to help protect primates in the wild.

Dr Goodall's lifelong study of the chimpanzees of Gombe has made her not only the world's most recognised expert on the species but also their most effective advocate.

Old mobile phones donated to the Zoo's 'They're Calling on You' campaign will benefit primate conservation in two ways: financially, but even more directly by reducing demand for coltan, a mineral used in mobile phones.

80% of the world's coltan is found in Africa. Illegal mining in areas where chimpanzees, gorillas, and other primates live has had devastating consequences.

There is loss of habitat through deforestation, and primates and other wildlife in the areas are hunted for the bushmeat trade.

In one national park alone, more than 10,000 people are mining illegally, and the once-protected gorilla population has fallen by more than 50% in the past five years.

With about 15 million new mobile phones sold in Australia every year, there are a great many old or outmoded models available for recycling.

These phones can all be put to good use if they're donated to the 'They're Calling on You' campaign.

Postage-free mailing satchels are available at the Zoo, or a post-free mailing label can be printed from the Zoo website.

Dr Goodall is touring Australia and New Zealand sharing stories from her forthcoming book 'Hope for Nature', highlighting fauna and flora that are being saved from extinction by individuals and groups doing innovative research and managing effective conservation projects.

Melbourne Zoo's Invertebrate Specialist Patrick Honan manages a breeding program for one of the world's most endangered insects, and Zoos Victoria's Coordinator of Conservation Partnerships Chris Banks plays a major role in a habitat protection project in PNG for the most endangered Tree Kangaroo species.

Old and unwanted mobile phones can be dropped off at Museum Victoria, Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo in Victoria; Perth Zoo; Taronga Zoo, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, the Pet Porpoise Pool and Mogo Zoo in NSW; Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Zoo in SA; and Sea World in Queensland.

For more information go to www.zoo.org.au

13th February 2009 - MINILAB FOR COFFS HARBOUR PET PORPOISE POOL

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