Bendigo Bank Telco representatives presented Zoos Victoria Foundation with a $5,000 cheque recently, raised by their staff members.

Half of the generous donation will go towards the ‘Gorillas in the West’ project at Werribee Open Range Zoo. The planned public Gorilla habitat exhibit will be a huge sanctuary that features wide-open spaces, climbing structures and indoor facilities.

The other half will be directed to Healesville Sanctuary’s for the Devils Advocate project, creating a purpose built breeding and research facility to help save the species from the deadly facial tumour disease.

More than 200 Bendigo Bank Telco staff members have been involved in helping raise the funds over the past 12 months.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank community enterprise development manager Jodie Giles said staff were committed to giving something back to the community.

"Any telecommunications account held with the Telco attracts a commission, which is then channelled into charitable causes and community initiatives," Ms Giles said.

"Our staff, many of whom are Telco customers, have opted to donate half of their profit share to two of Zoos Victoria Foundation's current projects: ‘Gorillas in the West’ and the ‘Devil's Advocate’ program."

Zoos Victoria Foundation development manager Paul Clark said he was grateful for the contribution Bendigo Bank Telco staff had made to the projects.

"These conservation projects aim to ensure the survival of endangered species, through breeding programs, best-practice care and increased visitor education.

"Thanks to Bendigo Bank Telco employees, we are a step closer to raising the funds for these vital projects."

For more information on how you can help with the Gorillas in the West project please click here, or for information on the Devils Advocate project click here.