Freetown, Sierra Leone – May 26, 2025 — Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a leading conservation hub on the outskirts of Freetown, has announced an immediate and indefinite closure due to escalating illegal encroachment activities that pose serious threats to its operations and the lives of the 122 rescued chimpanzees under its care.
In a public statement issued Monday, sanctuary officials described the situation as critical, citing increasing instances of unauthorized construction, the setting of animal traps, and general encroachment on protected parkland. These activities, they warn, have reached dangerously close to the chimpanzee enclosures.
“Traps are being found alarmingly near our animals,” the sanctuary stated. “This poses a direct risk not only to the chimpanzees but to the long-term future of the sanctuary itself.”
Efforts to curb the illegal activities began months ago when President Julius Maada Bio ordered enforcement operations that led to the demolition of several unauthorized structures. However, Tacugama reports that enforcement stalled three months ago, allowing the situation to deteriorate once again.
Established in 1995 by conservationist Bala Amarasekaran and his wife Sharmila, Tacugama has evolved into a cornerstone of wildlife conservation in Sierra Leone. It not only rescues and rehabilitates orphaned chimpanzees but also spearheads research, community engagement, and eco-tourism initiatives. The sanctuary was instrumental in getting the chimpanzee recognized as Sierra Leone’s national animal.
“This was not an easy decision, but a necessary one,” the sanctuary said. “We must prioritize the safety of the animals and the preservation of our natural environment.”
While chimpanzee viewing and tours within the main sanctuary are suspended, Tacugama confirmed that its eco-lodges and guided hikes—located outside the core sanctuary area—will remain open to the public.
During the closure, staff will focus on rehabilitating the sanctuary’s electric-fenced enclosures and enhancing internal security to better protect the forest and its wildlife.
Tacugama is now urging the Sierra Leonean government to resume consistent and decisive action to prevent further environmental degradation and safeguard the nation’s dwindling forest reserves.
As one of the country’s most vital conservation and eco-tourism landmarks, the sanctuary’s temporary shutdown is a stark reminder of the growing pressures facing Sierra Leone’s wildlife and protected areas.
