Sanctuary Welfare
Providing a second chance for orphaned chimpanzees
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
At Ngamba Island, the Trust cares for 53 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. The island forest provides a realistic habitat for these disadvantaged individuals and a unique environment that enables them to express their normal behaviour. We provide veterinary care, rehabilitation, integration, supplemental food and ensure safety to these orphans — some of whom will not be able to return to the wild given their background, age, and current behavioural status.
Our Long-Term Impact
"Sustainable Conservation of Chimpanzees in their Natural and Captive care to those who cannot survive in the wild."
Chimpanzee Trust manages Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a home to 53 orphaned rescued chimpanzees in the heart of Lake Victoria. Established in October 1998 as a combined national and international initiative, we are a globally recognized collaborative conservation effort geared towards developing and implementing a long-term strategy for the conservation of chimpanzees and their habitats.
Five Key Pathways
The organization operates under five strategic pathways to achieve our conservation goals:
Enhanced Ex Situ Chimpanzee Conservation and Management
Enhanced In Situ Chimpanzee Conservation and Management
Improved Chimpanzee Conservation Education and Awareness
Enhanced Research, Communication and Partnerships
Chimpanzee Trust Financial and Institutional Sustainability
Veterinary Medicine
Our on-site veterinary team ensures every individual receives annual health checks, vaccinations, and emergency care. Given the aging population of our colony, specialized geriatric care has become a cornerstone of our medical program, addressing age-related conditions to ensure quality of life.
Nutrition & Feeding
While the island provides some natural forage, it is not enough to sustain the population. We supplement their diet with four scheduled feedings daily, providing a balanced mix of fruits, vegetables, and specialized primate chow to ensure optimal nutritional health.
Behavioral Rehabilitation
Many arrivals have suffered severe psychological trauma from capturing and captivity. Our integration program carefully introduces new individuals to the troop, fostering social bonds and grooming alliances that are essential for their mental well-being.
Enclosure Security
Maintaining the safety of both the chimpanzees and our staff is paramount. We conduct daily checks of the electric fence boundaries and overnight holding facilities to prevent escapes and ensure a secure environment for all.