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The management of Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary has announced its temporarily closure until further notice.
According to a notice from the management, the decision to temporarily close the Sanctuary is due to ongoing illegal encroachment in and around the protected area.
The management disclosed that encroachment beyond park boundaries remains a serious issue, adding that they are grateful to President Julius Maada Bio for personally ordering law enforcement to act, which initial efforts removed some illegal structures near the sanctuary.
The notice further stated that enforcement stopped three months ago, and encroachment on other flanks is now rapidly approaching their perimeter. Their team still finds traps dangerously close to the chimpanzee enclosures, which they said poses a direct threat to the 122 rescued chimpanzees and the ecosystem.
According to the management, the decision is painful but necessary, as Tacugama plays a vital role in conservation education, and they rely on visitors income to care for the chimps.
The management has also decided to rehabilitate several electric-fenced enclosures to ensure safety and strengthen their security protocols during this closure.
“Please note: visiting the chimps is not possible at this time.
However, our ecolodges and guided hikes remain open, as they are located outside the sanctuary grounds.”
They called on the relevant authorities to resume immediate action to protect Sierra Leone’s wildlife and national parks.
