The Executive Director of the National Protected Area Authority (NPPA), Sheikh Ahmed Tunis, has paid an unannounced visit to the Mile 91 Police Division following the killing of a female chimpanzee, Sierra Leone’s national animal, late Sunday night.

The visit was aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the incident, which prompted a swift response from police after reports emerged that the animal had entered the community.

According to police, the chimpanzee strayed into Mile 91 at about 10:00 p.m. and was perceived by residents as a threat. Officers were dispatched to the scene, but by the time they arrived, tensions had already escalated, with community members determined to kill the animal. Despite efforts by the police to de-escalate the situation, the chimpanzee was eventually killed by locals.

In the aftermath, unverified reports circulating on social media claimed that a child had been killed during the incident. However, police have dismissed these claims, confirming that no human fatalities were recorded and that the chimpanzee was the only casualty.

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Mr Tunis emphasised that increasing human encroachment into protected areas is forcing wildlife into nearby communities, thereby heightening the risk of human-wildlife conflict.

“Chimpanzees are our national animals and should be protected,” he said, stressing the need for greater professionalism and coordination in responding to similar incidents.

He also commended the police for addressing misinformation circulated by some media outlets and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with law enforcement in conservation and wildlife protection efforts.

The remains of the chimpanzee have since been handed over to the Paramount Chief.