Orangutans' natural habitat on Indonesia's Borneo Island is being threatened by logging and forest fires. The Most Endangered Great Apes Projects are planned to save Cross River gorillas in the Afi Mountains of southern Nigeria, chimpanzees in the Ivory Coast and orangutans in Indonesia's Tanjung Putting National Park. Officials say the Cross River gorillas in Nigeria are the most critically endangered great apes in the world. UN officials are asking big companies and organizations to donate the rest of the money that is needed. UN officials are hoping the new program will teach people how great apes can help a country's economy because people will want to visit a place with such special animals.
Great apes are very important for other reasons, too.
Gorillas help forests because they prune trees, which means they remove dead pieces to keep the trees and forests healthy. This also helps people who rely on forests for fuel, building materials, medicine and food. For starters, they will supply rangers with equipment to keep better track of the animals. They will also build wildlife areas that connect to broken or damaged habitats where the animals live. Finally, they will teach people how important great apes are to the circle of life all over the world.