Tacugama

At Tacugama, we are incredibly proud and grateful to see art and conservation come together in such a meaningful way.

A heartfelt thank you to .O.F.A Film Festival / Animal Heroes Hall Of FameHeroes Hall of Fame, Go Ape Foundation and Dutch artist Theo Zwinderman for supporting our chimpanzees through this beautiful online auction of Theo’s Tacugama drawings. Every piece tells a story of resilience, hope, and the deep connection between people and nature.
And the chimpanzees clearly approve… because FIFO’s artwork was already sold before some of us even had our morning coffee ☕🐵

Thank you to everyone sharing, bidding, and supporting the care of rescued chimpanzees at Tacugama. Together, creativity can truly make a difference.

Incredible artwork by Dutch artist Theo Zwinderman! We are proud to team up with Theo, Go Ape Foundation and Tucagama to bring you this wonderful showcase!

All sales go to help provide daily care for rescued chimpanzees at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary! Please check it out and share the link in our bio 🔝

Ramba 💚 Thank you Apes Reporting Project!

In the communities surrounding Outamba Kilimi National Park, beekeeping is becoming more than just a livelihood. It is becoming a sustainable alternative that protects both people and nature.

With support from local communities are now receiving training from our outreach team in modern beekeeping techniques. The program began with theoretical lessons where participants learn about equipment, hive management and sustainable practices. The training is now continued in the field, where practical demonstrations help them to gain hands on experience.

An important part of the project is teaching methods that do not involve cutting trees, using fire or destroying bee colonies. By working with the bees instead of against them, communities can harvest honey while protecting the forest ecosystem around them 🌱

“No one is left behind” at Tacugama. 💚

Ramba is truly special. Despite being partially paralysed, she continues to show incredible strength, determination and spirit every single day. Her journey is not only one of survival, but also a testament to the patience and dedication of our caregivers who adapted her care to her unique needs.

Thank you, Apes Reporting Project, for telling Ramba’s story so beautifully and helping the world see that every chimpanzee matters, even the most vulnerable ones. 🌿🐵

The future content creators of Tacugama...🙂

Mus’ Rescue Anniversary 🎉

Exactly thirteen years ago, a tiny chimpanzee of only about two years old was found on the busy Wilkinson Road in Freetown. No one knew where she came from. Only that she did not belong there. The next day, she arrived at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and was given the name Mus.

At the sanctuary, Mus grew up alongside Monko, Morlai and Micheal before later integrating into a larger family group with Molly, Mortes, Tetina, Lola and Hashi. To this day, they still live together like siblings, sharing friendships, play, comfort and daily life in their forest enclosure 🌱

In October 2021, Mus unexpectedly became a mother after a contraception failure and gave birth to her son Midas. Just a few months earlier, her close friend Molly had welcomed her own son, Milo. Now the two young boys are growing up side by side, continuing the bond their mothers have shared for years.

Mus is known for being friendly with both chimpanzees and humans, but also for being incredibly smart and confident. During feeding time, caregivers use two feeding spots so younger chimpanzees can eat peacefully without being bullied by bigger individuals like Mortes. But Mus has learned exactly how to move quickly between both feeding spots to secretly secure herself an extra portion whenever she can.

Today we celebrate Mus’ rescue anniversary and the beautiful life she has been able to build after such a difficult beginning. From a vulnerable young chimpanzee found alone on a city street to a strong mother and cherished member of her chimpanzee family.

This is what your support makes possible. Not only rescue, but a lifetime of care, friendship, safety and second chances. 💚