VETERINARY SURGEON DR. JOSHUA RUKUNDO DISCUSSES NGAMBA ISLAND CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY
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In a recent episode of "Just Gospel," host Connet welcomed Dr. Joshua Rukundo, veterinary surgeon and director of the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, to discuss his work with rescued chimpanzees in Uganda.
Dr. Rukundo, who has been with the sanctuary since 2010, explained that Ngamba Island serves as a refuge for 55 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees, many of whom have survived traumatic experiences. "Many of them have arrived here following very traumatic situations. Either their mothers have been killed and they're being treated in pet trade, or they are poached, or they are being used for turning tricks in circuses, or in bars," Dr. Rukundo shared.
The sanctuary, which Dr. Rukundo described as "the model chimpanzee sanctuary in Africa," spans approximately 100 acres on Lake Victoria, with 95 acres dedicated as tropical forest for the chimpanzees to roam freely. "We've set it up to mimic what they would ideally find in the wild," he explained.
During the interview, Dr. Rukundo had just treated a female chimpanzee named Surprise, who had been injured during a social conflict related to mating. The chimp's name has an interesting origin—she was born unexpectedly after her mother managed to remove her contraceptive implant, hence the name "Surprise."
Dr. Rukundo noted that releasing these chimpanzees back into the wild is challenging due to the territorial nature of wild chimpanzee communities. Consequently, many rescued chimps will remain at the sanctuary for their entire lives, which can span up to 60 years.
The sanctuary maintains careful protocols for the chimpanzees' welfare, including nightly enclosures to monitor their health and behavior, while allowing them to forage in the forest during the day with supplementary feedings.
When asked about funding, Dr. Rukundo explained that the sanctuary relies primarily on donations from well-wishers, income from eco-conscious tourists, and volunteers. "We don't allow any contact or interaction with our chimps. People come here to learn a little bit about the chimps, but the place itself is a beautiful place," he said, emphasizing their commitment to ethical tourism.
For those interested in supporting the sanctuary's work, Dr. Rukundo directed listeners to visit their website at www.ngambaisland.org, where they can learn more about donation options and visiting opportunities.
The interview concluded with the host expressing appreciation for the cross-continental connection and Dr. Rukundo's dedication to the welfare of these vulnerable animals.
Dr. Rukundo, who has been with the sanctuary since 2010, explained that Ngamba Island serves as a refuge for 55 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees, many of whom have survived traumatic experiences. "Many of them have arrived here following very traumatic situations. Either their mothers have been killed and they're being treated in pet trade, or they are poached, or they are being used for turning tricks in circuses, or in bars," Dr. Rukundo shared.
The sanctuary, which Dr. Rukundo described as "the model chimpanzee sanctuary in Africa," spans approximately 100 acres on Lake Victoria, with 95 acres dedicated as tropical forest for the chimpanzees to roam freely. "We've set it up to mimic what they would ideally find in the wild," he explained.
During the interview, Dr. Rukundo had just treated a female chimpanzee named Surprise, who had been injured during a social conflict related to mating. The chimp's name has an interesting origin—she was born unexpectedly after her mother managed to remove her contraceptive implant, hence the name "Surprise."
Dr. Rukundo noted that releasing these chimpanzees back into the wild is challenging due to the territorial nature of wild chimpanzee communities. Consequently, many rescued chimps will remain at the sanctuary for their entire lives, which can span up to 60 years.
The sanctuary maintains careful protocols for the chimpanzees' welfare, including nightly enclosures to monitor their health and behavior, while allowing them to forage in the forest during the day with supplementary feedings.
When asked about funding, Dr. Rukundo explained that the sanctuary relies primarily on donations from well-wishers, income from eco-conscious tourists, and volunteers. "We don't allow any contact or interaction with our chimps. People come here to learn a little bit about the chimps, but the place itself is a beautiful place," he said, emphasizing their commitment to ethical tourism.
For those interested in supporting the sanctuary's work, Dr. Rukundo directed listeners to visit their website at www.ngambaisland.org, where they can learn more about donation options and visiting opportunities.
The interview concluded with the host expressing appreciation for the cross-continental connection and Dr. Rukundo's dedication to the welfare of these vulnerable animals.
