News and Updates
Welcome to Wild Connection’s News & Updates! This is your inside look at how science, community, and conservation come together across our programs. Here, we share milestones from the field, highlight fundraising efforts, and spotlight the people powering our mission.
Latest Updates
Vehicle Fund: Purchased
Thanks to donor support, Wild Connection has now purchased its first field vehicle. This is a major step for our work in Uganda, allowing us to reach field sites more reliably, transport equipment safely, and expand the scope of our research activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park and beyond.
New Hippo Project Launch
Our new hippo project explores how hippos can serve as bioindicators of ecosystem health in Queen Elizabeth National Park. By tracking how they use rivers, shorelines, and surrounding grazing areas, we can detect changes that might signal wider environmental problems. The goal is to use one highly visible species to gain insight into the condition of the broader ecosystem.
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 2025
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.
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.
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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.