The chimpanzees’ natural home range spans from the West African coast, through the central forested belt of Africa, to East Africa. The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary was established with an agreement between the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Jane Goodall Institute. The aim was to provide a refuge to orphaned and abused chimpanzees and it has accepted large numbers of chimpanzees rescued from traumatic situations. Many are confiscated from unnatural living conditions or with injuries, but get the chance to start again once nursed back to health.
When the chimpanzees are ready, they are introduced into one of the two large groups at the Sanctuary, who live in vast natural enclosures separated by the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Denis and his colleague Eva describe the brief history of chimpanzees at the sanctuary. They also discuss the features of the sanctuary enclosures and chimpanzees’ intelligence, gestation, the hierarchical organisation of their societies, and their diet. They also discuss the threats facing chimpanzees in the wild.
During the walk through the bush of East Africa with Denis, RGS members get to meet some of the chimpanzees, including getting to know some of their names and some of the more notable characters.
Ranger Denis Mutugi is a guide at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Ol Pejeta Conservancy. He is responsible for guiding guests at the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and educating them about the chimpanzees’ plight, behaviour and conservation. Passionate about wildlife conservation, he is an expert on educating guests about the chimpanzees at the sanctuary.
Eva Kimani is Education Coordinator – Community Development Programmes at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Laikipia, Kenya. She overseas implementation and growth of education activities both in and outside the conservancy to maximise the support provided by Ol Pejeta’s community development programmes to local schools and community groups. She provides 19 community schools with ICT training and resources, manages the Ol Pejeta scholarship programme and conservation education programmes.
The opinions expressed in this talk are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the Royal Geographical Society - Hong Kong.