International Primate Day – Rubondo Island: A Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Rubondo Island is home to approximately 60chimpanzees, of which the first 16 were first released on the island between 1966 and 1969 by Professor Bernhard Grzimek of the Frankfurt Zoological Society. These chimps were rescued from various European zoos and circuses and had spent from 3½ months to 9 years in captivity. The animals had no rehabilitation but after one year on Rubondo they were able to find and eat wild foods and construct nests for sleeping.

If you would like to visit the island, enjoy a stay at Rubondo Island Camp, a small and exclusive camp which consists of just eight waterfront cottages and is also the only accommodation availabale on the island.

Experience the Chimpanzee Habituation Project at Rubondo Island Camp.

Why is it important to protect primates?

Most primate populations are declining, and the majority of the species are under threat due to hunting, the loss of their natural habitat, disease, unsustainable human activities, and climate change. There are numerous benefits to conserving primates, not only to the environment, but to humans too.

Primate species gives biologists unique insights into human evolution and this promotes the biological understanding of some of the most diverse communities of our planet. In addition to insights the study of primates can provide, these species also have a unique ecological roles. Primates play an important role in maintaining balanced and well-functioning ecosystem. Focusing efforts on protecting these charismatic animals and their habitat in turn secures preservation of other species.