NAIROBI, Kenya Feb 28 – OL PEJETA Conservancy, Kenya, Feb 28 – Kenya’s only
Chimpanzee Sanctuary it set to re-open after a three-year hiatus occasioned by the
Covid-19 Pandemic.
The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary located at the world-famous Ol Pejeta
Conservancy will open its doors on March 1 st 2024.
“We are thrilled to announce the grand reopening of the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee
Sanctuary which marks not just a return to normalcy, but also the unveiling of a
new, immersive experience that allows visitors an up-close encounter with one of
nature’s most fascinating creatures” said Ol Pejeta Conservancy CEO Justin Heath.
Nestled in the rolling plains of Laikipia County in Kenya, the Ol Pejeta
The Conservancy has been a haven for Chimpanzees since 1993.
The Sweetwaters Sanctuary is renowned for its commitment to offering refuge to
chimpanzees rescued from the black market, war zones and captivity.
“This reopening is a celebration of resilience, both of the chimpanzees and the
dedicated team at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Our guests will have the opportunity to
witness firsthand the care, rehabilitation, and joy of the chimps” added Justin.
According to the head of tourism at Ol Pejeta Enid Nkatha, each chimpanzee at the
conservancy has a unique rescue story – from being victim of the illegal bush
meat trade to suffering abuse at the hands of humans. “These stories of resilience
and the enduring spirit of these animals serve as a potent reminder of the sanctity
of life and the importance of conservation” added Nkatha.
Chimpanzees share 98.6% of their DNA with humans are believed to be the closest
cousins to humans.
Their intelligent and emotional beings display behaviours remarkably similar to
humans, such as laughter, affection, and even bipedal walking.
Conservationists say that the global Chimpanzee population in the wild has been
dwindling rapidly over the years as a result of human intervention with only
150,000-200,000 remaining, classifying them as endangered.
“Following the re-opening of the Sanctuary, visitors can go a step further by
participating in the adoption program. This initiative allows individuals to directly
contribute to the care and well-being of these rescued chimpanzees. By adopting a
chimp Max, a visitor can become a part of their story of recovery and a champion
for wildlife conservation” added Justin Heath, CEO Ol Pejeta.
“We invite the world to join us at the from 1 st March 2024 to celebrate this
significant milestone. The reopening of the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is
not just an event; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of conservation and the
unbreakable bond between humans and the natural world. Each visitor will
experience the wonder, the empathy, and the beauty of connecting with our closest
animal relatives” said Nkatha.