Ol Pejeta has been advocating for the plight of chimpanzees and other great apes since 1993.
The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, nestled within Kenya's Ol Pejeta Conservancy, stands as a beacon of hope for chimpanzees rescued from dire circumstances. Established in 1993 through a collaboration between the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the Kenya Wildlife Service, and the Jane Goodall Institute, the sanctuary was created to provide a haven for orphaned and abused chimpanzees from West and Central Africa. Notably, chimpanzees are not native to Kenya, making this sanctuary the only place in the country where they can be observed.
Over the years, the sanctuary has grown to accommodate over 40 chimpanzees, each with a unique and often harrowing backstory involving the illegal pet trade, bushmeat hunting, or displacement due to conflict. These chimpanzees are rehabilitated in expansive, natural enclosures divided by the Ewaso Nyiro River, allowing them to form social groups and engage in behaviors akin to their wild counterparts.
Visitors to the sanctuary can witness the chimpanzees during feeding times and learn about their individual stories, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these primates. The sanctuary also offers adoption programs, enabling supporters to contribute directly to the care and well-being of the chimpanzees.
Beyond rehabilitation, Sweetwaters plays a pivotal role in conservation education and advocacy. Through initiatives like the Project to End Great Ape Slavery (PEGAS), the sanctuary works to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and promote the enforcement of international laws protecting great apes. Accredited by the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA), Sweetwaters continues to set high standards in animal care and ethical tourism.
For those seeking a meaningful wildlife experience, a visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary offers not only the chance to observe these intelligent and empathetic creatures but also to support ongoing efforts in primate conservation.
Support Ol Pejeta Conservancy! Donate now!
Support this great non-profit and donate now. 100% of your donation will go to the non-profit Ol Pejeta Conservancy to help rescued chimpanzees in the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
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