The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in the OL PEJETA Conservancy is set to re-open on March 1st, 2024, after a three-year hiatus occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Heath noted that the reopening marks not a return to normalcy and the unveiling of anew, immersive experience.
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy has been a haven for Chimpanzees since 1993. It 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,” Heath said.
According to the head of tourism at Ol Pejeta Enid Nkatha, each chimpanzee at the conservancy has a unique rescue story – from being a victim of the illegal bush meat trade to suffering abuse at the hands of humans.
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“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 and are believed to be the closest
cousins to humans.
Their intelligent and emotional beings display behaviors 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 due to human intervention, with only 150,000-200,000 remaining, classifying them as endangered.
