300Gorillas launches the ‘million-dollar gorilla’ on Earth Day

On Earth Day, the African Conservation Foundation (ACF) launched a new NFT project aimed at raising $1.2 million to protect the rarest great ape on the planet, the Cross River gorilla. This magnificent species is one of the world’s most critically endangered, with fewer than 300 individuals remaining in the wild due to hunting and the loss of their forest habitat to human activities.

The ACF is working to address this crisis by creating protected areas and corridors and training rangers in monitoring and conservation techniques. The funds raised from the NFT project will help the foundation continue its critical work and ensure the survival of the Cross River gorillas for future generations to enjoy.

The NFT project features a collection of 8,001 unique, one-of-a-kind digital art pieces inspired by the Cross River gorillas, African Wild Dogs, and the Okapi. Unlike other NFT projects, the majority of the proceeds will go directly to support the African Conservation Foundation’s work.

The Cross River Gorilla collection comprises only 300 NFTs for sale, reflecting the scarce number left in the wild.

One of the Cross River gorilla NFTs will be sold for a million dollars, offering the buyer a once-in-a-lifetime luxury safari experience, which will be documented in a feature film about the journey. However, purchasers won’t have to spend a million to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Within the Cross River Gorilla collection of 300, there will be five randomly assigned NFTs that grant the holder access to a free expedition in Africa (excluding flights) to aid the charity’s work.

“We are thrilled to launch this NFT project on World Wildlife Day and raise awareness for the Cross River gorillas,” said Arend de Haas, Executive Director of the African Conservation Foundation. “With the support of the art and NFT community, we hope to raise over $1.2m to preserve the habitats of the incredibly rare Cross River gorillas and secure their future for generations to come.”

NFTs are becoming increasingly valuable collectibles in the art world, and this project showcases the potential for NFTs to make a significant impact in the world of conservation. Web3 projects have already helped raise funds for conservation initiatives worldwide, and this project adds to that momentum, using the power of blockchain technology to help protect endangered species and their habitats.

With only 300 of these magnificent apes left in the world, there are literally more Bored Ape Yacht Club owners than these gorillas – let’s work together to save apes outside the metaverse.

This novel approach to charity fundraising is being delivered in conjunction with web3 start-up We Are Meta. Henry Eames, MD We Are Meta, said, “Speaking to the ACF and hearing the urgent need for action, we couldn’t help but try this new approach to fundraising. We can’t wait to see who will get the Million Dollar Gorilla, but there are thousands of other NFTs starting from just a few dollars. This mission needs support from as many people as possible.”

The NFT project is available for purchase starting on Earth Day – April 22, and interested parties can learn more and view the available pieces at https://www.300gorillas.com/.

ENDS

About The African Conservation Foundation 

The African Conservation Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection and conservation of Africa’s wildlife and its habitats. The Foundation works in close collaboration with local communities, government agencies, and other organisations to implement effective and sustainable conservation programs.

For more information about the African Conservation Foundation and its work, visit https://africanconservation.org/.

Contact

Henry Eames, Managing Director of We Are Meta
+44 (0)7515 380002
Henry@wearemeta.business

Or 

Arend De Haas, Director of the African Conservation Foundation
arend@africanconservation.org