Ngamba Island: A Sanctuary Where Chimpanzees Find Healing and Hope
World Business Journal talks to Dr. Joshua Rukundo, Executive Director of the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, about the sanctuary’s vital role in offering a safe haven for rescued chimpanzees, the opportunities for visitors to observe these primates in their natural habitat, and the intriguing similarities between humans and chimpanzees.
Can you tell us more about Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary?
Established in 1998 and operated by the Chimpanzee Trust, we span 95 acres of natural forest on Lake Victoria, designed to replicate the chimpanzees’ natural habitat.
Currently, we provide a home for 55 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. Our sanctuary offers them a secure environment where they can heal and develop social bonds after enduring traumatic experiences, such as losing their mothers, poaching, or exploitation in circuses and bars.
Our dedicated team of over 22 caregivers and veterinarians ensures the well-being of our chimpanzees through a structured diet and strict welfare protocols. We recognise that releasing these chimpanzees back into the wild can be challenging due to the territorial nature of wild chimpanzee communities. As a result, many of our rescued chimps may remain with us for their entire lives, which can span up to 60 years.
At Ngamba Ecolodge, we offer tourists the opportunity to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat through a range of experiences, including half-day, full-day, and overnight options.
We are also accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), which establishes standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries and ensures consistent standards for animal care and facility operations. This global network provides us with access to vital resources and partnerships that strengthen our conservation impact, support, and visibility.
How similar are we to chimpanzees?
The more I learn about chimpanzees, the better I understand humans. As our closest living relatives, sharing about 98% of our DNA, chimpanzees offer crucial insights into human behaviour and social dynamics.
They are highly intelligent and resourceful, capable of using tools and solving problems creatively. Their adaptability to different environments, including their interactions with humans and their ability to navigate challenges, mirrors our own resilience.
Chimpanzees exhibit a wide range of emotions, such as joy, empathy, and even grief. They form strong social bonds and often support each other in times of distress, much like humans do. Their complex social hierarchies, respect for elders, and communal care for young ones highlight the importance of relationships in both species.
Play is vital for young chimps, helping them develop social skills through activities like wrestling and climbing. Adult chimpanzees also engage in comforting behaviours, such as grooming, to alleviate stress within their groups. This nurturing instinct parallels the human capacity for empathy and emotional support.
Studying them highlights the importance of relationships and compassion, offering valuable insights into our own nature.
