Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND

At Tacugama, rescue is a lifelong promise.

When a chimpanzee arrives at Tacugama, we don't know what the years ahead will bring. Some arrive as tiny orphans and need round-the-clock care. Some carry injuries from their past. Others face unexpected illness or disability later in life.

Their needs may change. Our promise to them doesn't.

This Giving Day for Apes, we are raising funds for the lifelong care of the chimpanzees who depend on Tacugama. Because whether they need intensive medical support, years of rehabilitation or simply the time and space to find their place in a chimpanzee family, no one is left behind. 

RAMBA

Her life changed overnight. Our promise to her didn't.

Ramba had already been given a second chance when her life suddenly changed again.

Rescued in 2018, she had rebuilt her life at Tacugama when, in November 2024, she became almost completely paralysed following what is believed to have been herpesvirus encephalitis.

Since then, her caregivers and veterinary team have worked tirelessly to give her the best possible quality of life. Her days include physiotherapy, carefully supervised forest walks, enrichment, medical care and plenty of encouragement from the people she trusts.

Progress can be slow. Some days are better than others. But Ramba continues to surprise us.

She will need additional care for the rest of her life. And she will receive it. Because rescue doesn't end when a chimpanzee is safe.

Rescue is a promise for life.

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SOMEBODY 

Somebody lost one hand. She didn't lose her future.

Somebody arrived at Tacugama after losing one hand to a snare. It would be easy to define her by what she lost.

But Somebody had other plans. She adapted, became one of Tacugama's most skilful tool users and later became the face of Sierra Leone's National Animal Campaign, helping inspire a country to celebrate and protect its national animal.

And then came another chapter. Somebody became a mother.

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AND FOR SOME, THE JOURNEY IS JUST BEGINNING

Click on the video to see the young orphans in Forest School. This video is produced for Tacugama by Earth Rangers. 

Every year, young orphaned chimpanzees arrive at Tacugama after losing the one individual they depended on most: their mother. They need food, warmth, safety and round-the-clock care.

But they also need something much harder to replace. They need to learn how to be chimpanzees.

That is why our youngest rescues go to Forest School.

Under the watchful eyes of their caregivers, they climb trees, explore the forest, discover natural foods, build confidence and learn the skills they will need as they grow. Slowly, they also begin the journey towards joining a chimpanzee family of their own.

For an orphan who has already lost so much, these seemingly simple moments matter.

This is where a second chance begins.

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DIFFERENT STORIES. THE SAME PROMISE.

Today, more than 120 chimpanzees depend on Tacugama.

Some are growing up. Some are growing old.

Some need specialised medical care. Some are learning to trust again.

And every one of them is an individual, with a history, a personality and a future worth protecting.

Providing lifelong care means caregivers, nutritious food, veterinary treatment, medicine, enrichment, safe enclosures and the time and expertise needed to help every chimpanzee thrive.

No one is left behind.

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THIS GIVING DAY, STAND WITH THEM

On 6 October, sanctuaries around the world will come together for Giving Day for Apes, the world's largest annual fundraising event dedicated to great apes.  

For one day, every donation has the potential to do even more, helping Tacugama compete for additional prize funding while raising the funds needed to care for the chimpanzees who depend on us every day. 

DONATING ON 6 OCTOBER? TIME YOUR GIFT!

Two special contest hours give your donation the chance to help Tacugama win additional prize funding.

MOST DOLLARS RAISED
Official time (EDT): 11 AM–12 PM
UK (BST): 4–5 PM
Central Europe (CEST): 17.00–18.00

MOST UNIQUE DONORS
Official time (EDT): 3–4 PM
UK (BST): 8–9 PM
Central Europe (CEST): 21.00–22.00

Elsewhere in the world? Please use EDT as the official Giving Day time when converting to your local time.

Can’t donate during one of these hours? You don’t have to wait. Every donation during Early Giving and on Giving Day supports Tacugama’s campaign.

Whether you give $5, $50 or $500, you become part of that promise.

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WANT TO DO EVEN MORE?

Start your own fundraiser for Tacugama!

Bringing your friends, family or colleagues together for Giving Day can make an enormous difference. 

Want to get started? Email communications@tacugama.com and we'll help you with stories, images and everything you need to create your fundraiser.

Together, let's make sure no one is left behind.