Urgent call to action for Chimpanzee conservation

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Chimpanzees, our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, exhibit intricate social behaviours that mirror human conversation. They use a combination of gestures, facial expressions, and vocalizations to communicate, demonstrating striking parallels to human dialogue.

Recent research reported by the BBC has uncovered that these apes engage in rapid, turn-taking interactions, sometimes interrupting each other, much like human conversations.

Prof. Cat Hobaiter from the University of St Andrews emphasizes that these findings highlight "profound evolutionary parallels [with humans] in the structure of face-to-face conversations."

Their behaviour was human-like, a testament to their status as our closest genetic relatives in the animal kingdom, sharing 98.7% of our DNA. (Credit: Chimpanzee Trust)

This revelation comes at a crucial time as Uganda joined the world to observe World Chimpanzee Day on July 14, 2024. In the Pearl of Africa, this day serves as a vital reminder of the urgent need to protect the approximately 5,000 chimpanzees still thriving in the wild.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust that Mama Janet, the patron emeritus, has placed in me,” said Diana Museveni Kyaremera, the newly appointed patron of the Chimpanzee Trust. “On World Chimpanzee Day, we not only celebrate our closest animal relatives but also raise awareness about the critical threats to their survival. Their habitats are rapidly disappearing due to human encroachment and the ruthless trade in wild game meat.”

“This is a challenging task, but future generations will be grateful that the Chimpanzee Trust has remained steadfast in preserving these magnificent and intelligent species,” she concluded.

During the event, Joshua Rukundo, Executive Director of the Chimpanzee Trust, passionately discussed their commitment to a new conservation strategy. Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC), this strategy aims to enhance efforts to protect chimpanzees and their habitats.

Diana Museveni Kyaremera signing on the new Chimpanzee Trust logo. (Credit: Chimpanzee Trust)

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria provides a close approximation of their natural environment, with the added benefits of regular feeding and health monitoring by veterinarians.

An Enchanting Journey

An enchanting boat ride across Lake Victoria takes you to Ngamba Island. The gentle sway of the vessel beneath the expansive sky and the mirrored surface reflecting the heavens evoke sighs and gasps of awe. Kingfishers flit above, momentarily hovering before diving for a snack, while other marine birds engage in graceful dives and buoyant flights, their vibrant displays competing for attention.

After a serene 45-sixty-minute sail, the island's lush green vegetation and conical grass-thatched huts come into view. This sanctuary is home to 54 chimpanzees, each given a second chance at life after being rescued from poachers, herbalists, and illegal wildlife traders.

"Every individual here has a spine-chilling story," says Innocent Ampaire, an animal keeper and guide, his voice solemn. "For instance, Sarah was held by a herbalist who shaved her hair for love potions. As we spend time with them, we marvel at their affectionate and nurturing behaviours, wishing that humans could emulate such compassion.”

An enchanting boat ride across Lake Victoria takes you to Ngamba Island. The gentle sway of the vessel beneath the expansive sky and the mirrored surface reflecting the heavens evoke sighs and gasps of awe. (Credit: Chimpanzee Trust)

Another fascinating story is that of Kiri, the only recorded hermaphrodite chimpanzee in the world. By the age of 30 at Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) and later to Ngamba Island, she did not display any discernible sexual tendencies, leaving researchers perplexed. There was no evident aggression or courtship behavior towards males, nor any display of territorial dominance.

"Kiri had both testosterone and estrogen, leading to the development of both male and female features," recounts James Musinguzi, Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC). "However, Kiri never ovulated, and neither male nor female organs were fully developed. We reached out to zoos worldwide for information, but found no other cases like Kiri's."

After spending time at UWEC, she was transferred to Ngamba Island Sanctuary, where it later passed away.

A sail to Ngamba Island Sanctuary offers such unique nature narratives and the entire experience which will cost approximately sh1.5 million with bed and breakfast. Alternatively, one can get their tour and return to Entebbe, Gaba, Luzira or Mukono by boat or road. There is an opportunity to engage in monitoring the chimpanzees' health, assist in feeding, and immerse themselves in their habitat.

The restaurant serves delicious cuisines, coffee and snacks. The bar is stocked with the finest wines and beers in the world.

Where else can one see chimpanzees in Uganda?

In their natural habitat, chimpanzees live in groups ranging from 15 to 80 individuals, typically led by an alpha male. They engage in activities such as sleeping, foraging for food, and socializing in smaller groups. Similar to humans, the bond between mothers and their daughters is life-long, whereas relationships with sons tend to diminish in middle age. They fiercely protect and patrol their territory, where they often pause to reflect deeply.

Diana Museveni Kyaremera (middle) posing for a photo with (L-R) Dr Joshua Rukundo, the Executive Director Chimpanzee Trust, Dr James Musinguzi, the Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), and James Byamukama, the Executive Director of the Dr. Jane Goodall Institute. (Credit: Chimpanzee Trust)

UWA animal keeper John Aliro says the gestation period for chimpanzees lasts 423 days with a spacing between five to six years, typically resulting in a single baby, occasionally twins. After birth, mothers teach their offspring survival skills and eating habits, including nest-building and tool use.

“In Uganda, they can be observed in various locations besides Ngamba Island. These comprise Mount Rwenzori National Park, Bugoma Forest Reserve, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semliki Wildlife Reserve, and the Budongo and Kanyiyo Pabidi forests in Murchison Falls National Park, depending on one's location and interests,” says Aliro.

According to The International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN), Uganda boasts 5000 chimpanzees with 1,500 of them in Kibale Forest as their habitat. They have long arms, weigh up to 47 kg and can stand 4 feet high like humans with whom they share 98.7 DNA.