On Monday 17th March, Kyran Young, Year 13 Wycliffe College student arranged for Ian Redmond OBE, tropical field biologist & conservationist to address the pupils, staff and parents on his renowned work with Mountain Gorillas which spans over 30 years. Ian explained that his work involves research, filming, tourism and Conservation. Ian has served as Ambassador for the UN Year of the Gorilla in 2009 and for the UNEP Convention on Migratory Species since 2010.
Ian was presented with the PAWS Humane Achievement Award in recognition for his work on behalf of animals as well as being involved in more than 50 documentaries for the BBC, National Geographic and the Discovery channel. Ian was the man who introduced David Attenborough to the Mountain Gorillas in ‘Life on Earth’. This later became one of the favourite moments for the nation on TV when David played with a baby Mountain Gorilla.
Kyran had already intended raising money for the gorillas before meeting Ian Redmond at Stroud Farmers’ Market but afterwards decided to raise money specifically for Ian Redmond’s charity, the Gorilla Organisation.
To this end, in May 2015, Kyran will be setting off on his own personal challenge to raise funds for Mountain Gorillas, in support of Ian Redmond’s own charity the Gorilla Organisation (www.gorillas.org). He intends walking solo 2,663 miles from Mexico to Canada so anyone wishing to support Kyran in his quest should visit www.gorillawalker.com for more information.