Kenya’s only Chimpanzee sanctuary is set to reopen after a three-year closure following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary located at the world-famous Ol Pejeta Conservancy will open its doors to the public from March 1, 2024.
The conservancy's CEO Justin Heath while announcing this, expressed his happiness saying visitors can now get an up-close encounter with one of nature’s most fascinating creatures.
“We are thrilled to announce the grand reopening of the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary which marks not just a return to normalcy, but also the unveiling of a new, immersive experience," Heath said.
Nestled in the rolling plains of Laikipia County, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy has been a haven for Chimpanzees since 1993.
The sanctuary is renowned for its commitment to offering refuge to chimpanzees rescued from the black market, war zones and captivity.
“This reopening is a celebration of resilience, both of the chimpanzees and the dedicated team at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Our guests will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the care, rehabilitation, and joy of the chimps," Justin added.
According to the head of tourism at Ol Pejeta, Enid Nkatha, each chimpanzee at the conservancy has a unique rescue story, from being victims of the illegal bush meat trade to suffering abuse at the hands of humans.
“These stories of resilience and the enduring spirit of these animals serve as a potent reminder of the sanctity of life and the importance of conservation,” Nkatha said.
Chimpanzees share 98.6 per cent of their DNA with humans and are believed to be the closest cousins to humans.
Their intelligent and emotional beings display behaviours remarkably similar to humans, such as laughter, affection, and even bipedal walking.
Conservationists say that the global Chimpanzee population in the wild has been dwindling rapidly over the years as a result of human intervention with only 150,000-200,000 remaining, classifying them as endangered.
“Following the re-opening of the Sanctuary, visitors can go a step further by participating in the adoption program. This initiative allows individuals to directly contribute to the care and well-being of these rescued chimpanzees. By adopting a chimp Max, a visitor can become a part of their story of recovery and a champion for wildlife conservation” added Heath.
“We invite the world to join us from March 1 2024 to celebrate this significant milestone. The reopening of the sanctuary is not just an event; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of conservation and the unbreakable bond between humans and the natural world. Each visitor will experience the wonder, the empathy, and the beauty of connecting with our closest animal relatives” Nkatha added.
Ol Pejeta is a leading wildlife conservancy in Kenya, renowned for its innovative approaches to conservation and animal welfare.
It is home to the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and hosts the two only remaining Northern White Rhinos in the World.
Ol Pejeta is the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees.