The Minister of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis in collaboration with Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary have officially launched the National Animal Week at a Cocktail ceremony held at Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown.

The launch formed part of the commemoration of the National Animal Week to raise awareness about the critical state of Chimpanzee and its recognition as Sierra Leone’s National Animal and face of tourism.

The Founder of Tacugama Chimps Sanctuary, Bala Amarasekaran noted that they were gathered to celebrate the symbol of the country’s rich biodiversity, the Chimpanzee.

“It was in 2019 that the Chimpanzee was rightfully declared the national animal of Sierra Leone, our government, recognized them as not only a symbol of our nation but also as the face of tourism, despite such declaration and awareness, the threats to Chimps perist.” he said, adding that Tacugama has evolved into a powerhouse of conservation, expanding its focus beyond the welfare of Chimps to encompass the protection of the entire forest and its inhabitants.

Minister Nabeela Tunis maintained that, the commencement of the week-long celebration of the diverse and incredible fauna is the hallmark of what makes Sierra Leone unique.

She  added that, the declaration of the Western Chimpanzee as their national animal by President Bio symbolizes not just the species but the commitment to conservation, understanding and co-existence as she called for reflection on the inter-consecutiveness of all the Line MDA’s noting that the Western Chimpanzee reminds them of the delicate balance of nature and the importance of preserving their ecosystem.

She intimated that through education and awareness, they can foster a collective responsibility to protect vital habitats and the engagement of activities that promote environmental stewardship, tree planting, wildlife education and creating initiatives to foster reforestation, as was reported by the media team of the ministry.