Donal MacIntyre has lent his support to 'Gorillas On Thin Ice', a project aimed at countering the slide towards extinction of mankind's close relative, the gorilla.
As part of 2009's Year of the Gorilla, launched by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Donal joined a troupe of skaters dressed in gorilla costumes who hit the ice rink outside London's Natural History Museum.
It was all good practice for Macintyre, the acclaimed TV investigative reporter, as he is currently also competing in the ITV celebrity skating series, 'Dancing on Ice'.
This is one of three UNEP projects targeted at boosting the prospects of the Cross River Gorilla, Africa's rarest ape.
The unique and slightly surreal event took place between 10.00am and noon at the Natural History Museum who donated two hours worth of free time for the event.
The skaters, whose presence is being supported by the travel company Abercrombie & Kent, were drawn from London rinks including Alexandra Palace, Romford and Streatham.
Various wildlife groups including Flora and Fauna International, the Zoological Society of London and the Born Free Foundation attended, as well as government representatives.
MUST CREDIT PICTURES BY:
Jonathan Hordle / Rex Features Ltd.
