Illegal Construction Forces Closure of Sierra Leone's Famous Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Sierra Leone's Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary Faces Closure Amidst Illegal Construction Freetown, Sierra Leone – Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Sierra Leone’s most popular tourist attraction, has been forced to close its doors to visitors due to ongoing illegal construction encroaching on its land. The sanctuary, nestled in the lush rainforest on the outskirts of Freetown, is home to over 120 rescued chimpanzees. The illegal building work poses a significant threat to the sanctuary’s continued operation and the well-being of the chimpanzees. "What if this becomes something where we can never open the sanctuary again for people to visit?" questions Sidikie Bayoh, the sanctuary's Communications Officer, expressing concern for the future of the sanctuary and the young Sierra Leoneans who rely on it for employment. Bala Amaresakaran, the sanctuary's founder, adds, "The encroachment is fast approaching, and it's eating away at the borders of this safe haven." He highlights the urgent need for funding, particularly from the US government, to address the situation and ensure the sanctuary's survival. The video shows the impact on the chimpanzees, many of whom are rescued orphans, and the dedicated staff who care for them. Despite the challenges, the sanctuary remains resilient, continuing its vital conservation work and providing care for the rescued chimpanzees. The story underscores the importance of conservation efforts and the need for international cooperation to protect endangered species and their habitats. The hope remains that with sufficient funding, the sanctuary can overcome this obstacle and continue its work for years to come.