"The gorillas really are so similar to us that it strikes a chord with people to see them in the wild," said Schroeter, who said she cried after observing them for the first time during the single hour allotted all ecotourists.
"No one life is more valuable than another, and this [sentiment] pulls us together around the globe," she said. "It was a powerfully moving experience."
Saving the mountain gorillas should be a priority of the developed world, said Cranfield.
"The more biodiversity we lose, the more the world becomes weaker and weaker," he said.
"We are so closely related to these great apes that not caring for them would be like ignoring people in another country.
"If we as humans don't take this responsibility deeply, then we are not doing our best in a world we have molded and changed so significantly."
Neighbors
Is there a noteworthy person or event in your neighborhood? Contact Neighbors columnist Janene Holzberg at jholzberg76@msn.com or 410-461-4150.
If you go
What: A presentation on the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project by Dr. Mike Cranfield When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday Where: Central Library, 10375 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia. For: Ages 11 and older. Registration required: hclibrary.org or 410-313-7800
