Greetings,
Reflecting on this past year fills us with immense gratitude for your steadfast support, which has enabled us to continue our vital mission of conserving and caring for the remarkable chimpanzees at Ngamba Island. The year 2023 has been a testament to remarkable achievements, impactful initiatives, and significant milestones:
Celebrating 25 years of Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary
In August, we had the honor of hosting DBE Dr Jane Goodall in Uganda to commemorate Ngamba Island’s 25th anniversary. To celebrate this Silver Jubilee, we raised funds through our 25 for 25 campaign, to further grow our endowment fund by an impressive 35%, another step in securing the future of Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Our goal remains to reach $1,000,000 to be invested in safe investments that will spur the growth of the fund to be able to complement annual income and sustain the sanctuary’s operations independently.
Chimpanzee Welfare and enhanced infrastructure
Generous contributions from individuals and donor organizations have enabled us to maintain the well-being of our resident chimps, ensuring they receive shelter and four nutritious meals daily. Furthermore, crucial renovations were completed on the chimpanzee sleeping facility, reinforcing it to provide a more habitable environment for our chimpanzee community.
The fifth Strategic Plan for Chimpanzee Trust 2023-2027
Acknowledging the seismic shifts in our global landscape caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, we’ve reimagined our strategies. Our new strategic plan, founded on the “theory of change,” seeks to foster harmonious co-existence between humans, wildlife and the environment on which they depend. The bold plan addresses evolving environmental needs in our ever-changing world, of the communities, wildlife, and wild habitat conservation. Promoting awareness through innovative and impactful environmental education and securing the operations of the sanctuary as a beacon of hope for the survival of the chimpanzee species will further our objective for the protection of the chimpanzees.
Conservation Education and Awareness
Expanding our reach to Budongo Central Forest Reserve, we engaged with 2,880 students from nine schools, fostering awareness about biodiversity conservation. Additionally, our radio drama, “Ekijja Omanyire,” currently airing in Buliisa districts, educates communities about wildlife’s benefits, aiming for a shift in perspectives towards ecosystem preservation.
As we embark on 2024, our dedication to conserving chimpanzees, preserving habitats, and nurturing environmental stewardship remains unwavering. With your continued support, we aim to expand our initiatives, innovate conservation strategies, and further advance wildlife preservation.
How Can You Expand Our Efforts
We’re in the final countdown with only 6 days left in the year! Let’s close it on a strong note making a lasting impact together.
Click here to send an end-of-year present to our 53 chimpanzees. Every contribution, regardless of size, makes a significant difference.
A Happy New Year and a prosperous 2024 from us all.
Pant Hoots!!
Dr. Joshua Rukundo
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
