If you happen to spot a troop of gorillas in Edmonton's river valley this weekend, don't go ape.

The Edmonton Gorilla Run is returning to the city this Saturday.

Every September, hundreds of Edmontonians in furry suits create a primate invasion in the river valley.

The event, held yearly by the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Society, is meant to raise awareness and aid conservation efforts for the critically endangered species.

Endangered ape

Event co-ordinator Raemonde Bezenar, who spoke to CBC's Edmonton AM dressed in full gorilla garb, said it's a cause close to her heart.

She has travelled throughout the gorillas' native habitat in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, catching glimpses of the creatures up close.

Get your own <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gorillarun?src=hash">#gorillarun</a> suit. Edmontongorillarun.ca to register <a href="https://twitter.com/EdmAMCBC">@EdmAMCBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkConnollyCBC">@MarkConnollyCBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GarretteMcGowan">@GarretteMcGowan</a> <a href="https://t.co/6JbwLA9hEh">pic.twitter.com/6JbwLA9hEh</a> —@knako "Seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat was a life-changing experience," said Bezenar. "They really show you what family is all about.

"You leave the experience really wanting to help this species survive for generations to come.

"When I came back to Canada, I knew I wanted to do something to save them."

Gorillas are at risk largely due to poaching, habitat loss and airborne diseases spread by humans. Conservation groups estimate there are fewer than 900 of the animals left in central Africa.

Primate pandemonium

Bezenar said all proceeds from fun run will support scholarships for African students to study subjects that could help the species survive.

"All proceeds and donations go toward scholarships in veterinary medicine, so we can have caregivers in the field that will look after this species," said Bezenar.

As part of the entry fee, runners are given gorilla suits to wear while running the 5-km route. Participants are encouraged to add extra panache to their primate suits with wild accessories or costumes.

"We even have little gorilla suits for the kids," said Bezenar. "It's a little bit warm, but actually the temperature outside is perfect for running in a gorilla suit."