Kenya’s Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, located at the world-famous Ol Pejeta Conservancy, is set to reopen its doors on March 1, 2024, after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are thrilled to announce the grand reopening of the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which marks not just a return to normalcy but also the unveiling of a new, immersive experience that allows visitors an up-close encounter with one of nature’s most fascinating creatures,” said Ol Pejeta Conservancy CEO, Justin Heath.
After a brief hiatus due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our cherished primates and esteemed guests and we’re thrilled to welcome back this long-awaited experience, starting 1st March 2024.
— Ol Pejeta (@OlPejeta) February 22, 2024
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy has been a haven for chimpanzees since 1993.
A Haven for Rescued Chimps
The Sweetwaters Sanctuary 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,” added Justin.
Unique Opportunity to Connect with Nature
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.
“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 behaviours 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.
