Established in 1998 with only 11 animals, Uganda’s Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is now home to 52 of the IUCN Red Listed endangered species.

Most of the chimps on the island were rescued from illegal wildlife traders who intended to sell them as pets, for bushmeat, local medicine or other unacceptable uses. When first captured, a number of them were orphans whose parents died of different causes.

The sanctuary that started as a project spearheaded by Dr. Jane Goodall in 1998 is now a model for the rest of Africa and attracts over 5,000 visitors annually. It covers close to 100 acres of which 95% is natural forest where these great apes roam and forage freely.

The silver jubilee celebration in August will be marked by a number of activities including virtual tours, Q&A sessions with chimpanzee caregivers and experts, a tree planting campaign, the Chimp Challenge and a public lecture and cocktail with Dr. Jane Goodall. All these activities are aimed at fundraising and raising awareness about these intelligent creatures.

Everyone is welcome to be part of the celebration. A detailed schedule is available by contacting the Adventure Consults sales team at sales@adventureconsults.com.