By Alusine Sesay
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Abdulai, has reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to protecting the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Western Area Peninsula National Park, warning against illegal encroachments and construction activities that threaten wildlife and human safety.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Abdulai emphasized the critical role of the Peninsula National Park as Freetown’s primary water source, cautioning that deforestation poses a severe threat to the city’s water security. He urged citizens to desist from building in restricted areas, warning that failure to comply could lead to irreversible environmental damage.
Tacugama Wildlife Sanctuary Shuts Down Over Illegal Encroachment
The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, one of Sierra Leone’s leading conservation sites, recently announced its indefinite closure due to escalating illegal activities around its premises.
In an urgent statement issued on May 26, 2025, the sanctuary cited ongoing human encroachment, including the construction of unauthorized structures and animal trapping, as direct threats to its 122 rescued chimpanzees and the forest ecosystem.
Despite initial enforcement efforts under President Julius Maada Bio, which saw the removal of illegal structures, authorities reportedly halted further enforcement actions three months ago, allowing encroachments to persist.
Tacugama officials revealed that traps have been discovered dangerously close to the chimpanzee enclosures, increasing fears over the safety of the primates.
Impact on Conservation and Eco-Tourism
Tacugama has been a pillar of eco-tourism in Sierra Leone for over three decades, drawing international visitors and contributing to conservation education. However, the sanctuary’s closure marks a major setback for wildlife protection and tourism.
“This is a painful but necessary decision,” Tacugama officials stated. “The safety of our chimpanzees and the preservation of the forest ecosystem remain our top priorities.”
During the closure, Tacugama plans to rehabilitate its electric-fenced enclosures and bolster security measures. Although chimpanzee viewing has been suspended, Tacugama confirmed that its ecolodges and guided hikes, which operate outside the sanctuary grounds, remain open to visitors.
Call for Government Action
Tacugama officials are urging the Sierra Leonean government to resume immediate and sustained action to prevent further encroachment and protect the country’s dwindling forest reserves.
About Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Established in 1995 by conservationist Bala Amarasekaran and his wife Sharmila, Tacugama was founded to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned chimpanzees and enforce wildlife protection laws. Over the years, it has evolved into a leading conservation organization, actively engaging in:
– Community outreach
– Wildlife research
– Environmental sustainability initiatives
– Conservation education
– Alternative livelihood programs
Tacugama was also instrumental in having the chimpanzee declared Sierra Leone’s official national animal, further solidifying its legacy in wildlife protection.
As the sanctuary awaits decisive action from the government, conservationists warn that protecting Sierra Leone’s natural heritage is not only a moral obligation but also a necessity for long-term environmental sustainability.