Czech Project “The Revealed” supports gorilla protection in Africa
At the turn of the year 2005 and 2006 an unusual reality show came into being, initiated by Czech Radio. It was a reaction to the boom of container reality shows such as ‘Big Brother’. In this slightly different reality show the participants were the Prague Zoo gorillas.
Richard, Shinda, Kijivu, Moja and later Kamba were monitored non-stop by 16 cameras. Apart from live broadcast on the internet, there was also a summary of what happened in the “villa” for TV and people voted for their favourite gorilla. Based on the votes a winner was chosen (he won 12 melons – in Czech a “melon” is a synonym for a million).
The aim of the project was not only to give an ironic twist to a modern television format. Highlighting similarities and differences between the behaviour of gorillas and people, spreading information about apes and supporting their protection were also objectives. As a side effect, valuable material for further scientific research was obtained.
The Revealed attracted a lot of attention from the media and the general public. The public’s response even led to the continuation of the project.
Media worldwide also extensively reported about The Revealed and the project won many awards including a “Wild Oscar” for a double DVD (there is a sequel too) at the prestigious Wildscreen Awards in Bristol.
A publication about the project was launched, as well as a book of gorilla stories and rhymes together with a CD of the stories and songs. The Revealed logo even found its place on underwear (!). Funds raised through all of these activities go to the protection of Western Lowland Gorillas in Africa.
The storybook, originally aimed at Czech children, was adapted for children in central Africa and translated into English and French. Full-page illustrations of the Prague gorilla family accompany the text. This unique project was possible thanks to the cooperation between the project team responsible for The Revealed and the Limbe Wildlife Centre in Cameroon.
One of the main aims of the project is to help lowland gorillas living in the wild. They are especially endangered by the “bushmeat“ trade and by the destruction of their rainforest habitat.
“The idea to write a book showing African children how amazing gorillas are and how much wealth is hidden in a tropical rainforest first came to our minds in Limbe, where gorilla orphans live”, says Miroslav Bobek, founder of The Revealed. “The role of the Limbe Wildlife Centre is not only in taking care of gorillas that were brought there after they lost their parents because of poachers, but also spreading awareness by acting as an educational institution.”
“I often see that both children and adults are surprised at how similar gorillas are to humans. I do not believe that anyone who has visited us will ever eat gorilla meat”, says Felix Lankaster, manager of the Limbe Wildlife Centre.
In western Cameroon, where the book was distributed only some weeks ago at the end of 2008, it has been very well received especially by the children for whom it was primarily made, while in the jungle areas of the southeast adults are reading it as well.
As Ekane Ekane, teacher from Batoke Highschool explains, “Many people in gorilla range states have no idea what apes are and some of them have never seen them in their life. This project gives the people an opportunity to see them in a way that will almost certainly affect them.”
The project was financed by The Revealed. Everyone who bought a book, DVD or some other product contributed to its success. Currently, a Portuguese version of the book and a French audio version for use by radio stations, schools and conservation organisations is being prepared.