History of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT)

The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe is the officially recognised sanctuary for confiscated animals in Uganda and to date has a total of over 33 confiscated chimpanzees.

Until 1997, confiscated chimps lived in small, concrete cages that were completely unsuitable; offering little physical, mental or social stimulation. The Director, Mr Wilhelm Moeller, recognised the need for change and a project was initiated with four charities to form a Trust.

In 1997, the Chimpanzees Sanctuary And Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) was formed by:

Born Free Foundation, UWEC
Jane Goodall Institute (JGI)
Zoological Board of South Wales
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)

The CSWCT aimed to secure the future of the confiscated chimpanzees and take joint responsibility for the financial and managerial aspects of the project.

Between the organisations it was possible to raise enough funds to buy an island in Lake Victoria, Uganda for the chimpanzees.

Ngamba Island Sanctuary

Ngamba Island is a 100 acre island, approximately 25km offshore in Lake Victoria, Uganda. It provides an excellent secondary forest habitat for the chimpanzees and other wildlife species including fruit bats, spiders, fish eagles, hippos, otters and monitor lizards.

Facilities were built on the island to provide food stores, accommodation for the staff, and shelter for the chimpanzees.

Seen here under construction

Eventually the island was ready...

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