A three-month-old chimpanzee rescued from an illegal wildlife sale has been safely received at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, conservation officials have confirmed.
The young chimpanzee was recovered by wildlife authorities after information emerged about an attempt to sell the animal illegally. Chimpanzees are a protected species under Sierra Leone law, and their capture, sale, or ownership is a criminal offence.
After the rescue, the chimpanzee was transferred to Tacugama, located outside Freetown, where it is now receiving specialist care. Sanctuary staff say the animal arrived in fragile condition due to its young age and the trauma linked to illegal wildlife trade.
Veterinary officers at Tacugama say the chimpanzee is being monitored closely and placed on a feeding and care programme designed for infant chimps. They added that early intervention is critical for survival, as young chimpanzees depend heavily on their mothers in the wild.
Read also Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary Reopens as Government Promises to Curb Encroachment
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which works closely with government agencies, has rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of chimpanzees over the years. Many of the animals arrive after being removed from illegal trade or rescued from captivity.
Conservation groups continue to warn that the illegal wildlife trade remains a serious threat to chimpanzees in Sierra Leone. They say public awareness, stronger enforcement, and community reporting are key to protecting endangered species.
Authorities have urged members of the public to report any cases of wildlife trafficking and to avoid keeping wild animals as pets. Investigations into the attempted sale of the chimpanzee are ongoing.
