Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, located on Lake Victoria in Uganda, is home to 72 rescued chimpanzees. Established in 1998, the sanctuary provides a safe haven for orphaned and injured chimps that cannot return to the wild, offering them expert veterinary care, proper nutrition, and a natural forest environment to thrive in. The sanctuary also plays a key role in conservation education, community outreach, and wildlife research, supported mainly through eco-tourism and donations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sanctuary faced one of its greatest challenges. With tourism completely shut down, the chimps were left without a reliable food supply, putting their survival at risk.
At this critical moment, Mr. Alain stepped in with extraordinary generosity. For an entire year, he provided two boats of food every week, ensuring that the 72 chimps continued to be well-fed and cared for despite the crisis.
His support not only sustained the sanctuary during its darkest hour but also reinforced its mission to protect and nurture Uganda’s chimpanzees for generations to come.
Mr. Alain’s bond with the sanctuary goes even further. He adopted one of the chimps and named him Alvin, a gesture that reflects his deep commitment to the well-being of these incredible animals. His support not only sustained Ngamba Island during its darkest hour but also reinforced its mission to protect and nurture Uganda’s chimpanzees for generations to come.
Mr. Alain Goetz was honored with the Outstanding Support Award by world-renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The award recognized his exceptional and consistent contributions to the sanctuary, most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic when he ensured the survival of 72 chimpanzees by sending two boatloads of food every week for a year.
