Did you know it’s not just love that makes the world go round this Christmas - gorilla poo plays a key role too.

Without this smelly but very nutritious stuff, Africa’s oxygen-exuding rainforests would not be the rich, biodiverse habitats they are today.

Many of the tree species rely upon gorilla poo to help spread and fertilize their seeds, providing food and a habitat for all the other forest wildlife.

Just one more reason why gorilla conservation is so important.

Have a go at making your own nutritious, life-giving gorilla poo - but of the cake kind.

Use it to horrify your friends, or get an energy boost for the Great Gorilla Run.

INGREDIENTS (makes lots of droppings to share)

6 ounces chocolate drops
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 egg
1 cup icing sugar
1 teaspoon ginger (optional)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch of salt
½ cup flaked coconut (provides the fibrous leafy texture)
1 banana
½ cup of the nuts of your choice - almonds, pumpkin seeds, peanuts
½ cup chopped up dried/fresh fruit of your choice - e.g. banana, raspberries, mango

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Melt the chocolate pieces and butter or margarine over low heat stirring frequently.
2. Remove pan from heat; cool to lukewarm and put the contents in a bowl

3. Beat in the egg till smooth and glossy.
4. Add icing sugar, vanilla, ginger and salt; mix well.
5. Stir in the flaked coconut, fruit and chopped peanuts.
6. Chill for 1 hour.
7. Form into balls.
8. Roll in additional flaked coconut.
9. Arrange on a baking sheet and chill for at least 3 hours or until firm.

Written by: Rebecca Barnard (Gorilla Intern)

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PREVIOUS GREAT GORILLA EATS:

No.1: Banana Chocolate Chip Cake
No.2: Spiced Banana Dumplings
No.3: Rum-soaked Baked Bananas
No.4: Banana and Yoghurt Pancakes
No.5: Banoffee Pie