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Go 4 It with Gorillas on the Line 

September 23, 2026 | 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Get a free Zoo ticket when you donate your old cellphones and small electronics to support wild gorillas and their habitats. 

That old phone in your drawer? It can protect gorillas

The Detroit Zoo is teaming up with WDIV Local 4’s Go 4 It campaign for a one-day cellphone collection drive supporting Gorillas on the Line...Answer the Call, a global recycling program organized by SAFE Gorilla.  

NOTE: Though parking gates will be open to accept donations from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Zoo hours remain 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Learn More About Gorillas on the Line

 

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Why your old devices matter 

Coltan, a mineral used to power most cellphones and electronics, is mined in the forests of Central Africa where wild gorillas live. That mining destroys habitat and puts gorillas at risk. Every device recycled through this program reduces demand for new coltan mining and directly funds African gorilla conservation through SAFE Gorilla.  

Reusable devices are refurbished and resold. Unusable devices are recycled through certified companies. Either way, your old tech does real work.

How it works

  1. Visit the Zoo between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sept. 23. Parking gates will be open to welcome you.
  2. Park and walk to the donation area outside the main front entrance
  3. Donate your device(s)
  4. Get your free Zoo ticket from our staff, valid through March 31, 2027.

What to bring

  • Tablets
  • E-readers 
  • Cellphones 
  • Mp3 players 
  • GPS devices 
  • Headphones 
  • Smartphones 
  • Smartwatches 
  • Digital cameras 
  • Handheld gaming systems 
  • All other accessories smaller than a laptop 

 NOTE: Printers, TVs, monitors or anything larger than a laptop are not accepted. Before donating, please delete personal data or perform a factory reset where applicable.

 

 

Can’t make it on Sept. 23? 

That’s ok! The Detroit Zoo accepts device donations year-round at collection bins located at the front entrance and the Ford Education Center. You can also make a monetary donation to support gorilla conservation.  

Donate Now

 

 

 

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