Connecting People and Wildlife for a Better Future.
WILD CONNECTION
NEWS & UPDATES
Welcome to Wild Connection’s News & Updates! This is your inside look at how science, community, and conservation come together across our global programs. Here, we share milestones from the field, celebrate educational achievements, highlight fundraising efforts, and spotlight the people powering our mission. From mountain gorilla research in Uganda to STEAM education and community-led events, each story reflects our commitment to connecting people and wildlife for a better future. Check back often to see what’s new and how you can get involved.
Fundraising Highlights: Apes and Appetizers
Tucson, Arizona 2024
We launched our first-ever Apes and Appetizers fundraiser in Tucson, Arizona, hosted by our very own treasurer, Seneca Nunn. Guests enjoyed deliscious appetizers, behind-the-scenes stories from the field, and a special presentation on mountain gorilla conservation. We are so grateful for the energy, generosity, and inspiration shared that evening!
​
Scottsdale, Arizona – In Collaboration with WorldPix
In February 2025, we co-hosted a second Apes and Appetizers event in Scottsdale, Arizona, in partnership with our friends at WorldPix. This event featured wildlife photography and stories from the field, raising funds to support our upcoming ecotoxicology work and community training efforts in Uganda. Thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening of impact and connection and a special thanks to Dr. Paul Lynch for providing the space and the incredible food.
​
Host Your Own Apes and Appetizers Event!
Want to make a difference while celebrating wildlife and community? You can host your own Apes and Appetizers event! Whether it’s a private dinner, garden party, or gallery night, your gathering can help raise awareness and funds to protect mountain gorillas and support our conservation efforts.
Contact us at info@wildconnection.org to get started.
Empowering Youth Through STEAM Education
We’re proud to announce the successful completion of our U.S. State Department-funded STEAM education project in Uganda!
This initiative brought together students, teachers, and community members to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics through nature-based learning. Activities included field observation, nature-inspired music, and ecological storytelling, successfully blending cultural knowledge with conservation science. To learn more about the project and its outcomes, visit our Education page.
Mountain Gorilla Behavior and Conservation
We are excited to announce that we have successfully completed Phase 1 of our field-based research focused on mountain gorilla behavior, health, and conservation in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Through a combination of behavioral observations and genetic analysis in collaboration with the Culver and Combrink Labs at University of Arizona, we’ve gathered valuable data on gorilla behavioral patterns, diet, and habitat use, laying the groundwork for future research.
Stay tuned for updates as we move into Phase 2, which will include additional noninvasive sample collection and environmental analysis to better understand cross-species risks.
UPCOMING PROJECTS.
As we look ahead, Wild Connection is preparing to launch several exciting, science-driven projects. These initiatives continue our commitment to combining conservation science, community partnerships, and long-term impact for people and wildlife alike.
_2.jpg)
By Charles J. Sharp CC BY-SA 4.0,
Hippos and Farmers
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, we’ll investigate how plastic pollution and agricultural runoff affect the health of hippopotamuses and surrounding landscapes.
Gorilla Ecotourism
A new ecotourism impact study will explore how tourism activities influence both wildlife and community well-being, focusing on mountain gorillas.
Gorilla Conservation
And in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, we begin Phase 2 of our mountain gorilla research, examining how human proximity and land use may affect gorilla health and behavior.
MAKE AN IMPACT.
Do you want to make a difference? Support our projects by volunteering, donating or hosting your own event!