Chimpanzees are our closest animal relatives — we share about 98 per cent of our DNA with them. At Tacugama, rescued chimps are given medical care, a safe space to live, and the company of other chimps. The goal is always to help them live as naturally as possible, in large forest enclosures where they can climb, play and socialise.
The sanctuary runs release programmes that have successfully returned some chimpanzees to the wild. Staff and local rangers work together to look after both the chimps and the surrounding forest, which means the sanctuary also helps protect butterflies, birds and other wildlife that live among the trees.
Schools regularly visit Tacugama to learn about chimpanzees and why forests matter. Children who grow up visiting the sanctuary often become the next generation of people who protect Sierra Leone's wildlife. The sanctuary even trains local guides and conservationists, creating jobs while saving animals.