Sierra Leone's Chimpanzee Sanctuary Stops Welcome to Tourists in Response to Widespread Forest Destruction
Headline: Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary Closes to Tourists Due to Deforestation Crisis in Sierra Leone
The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a vital refuge for over 100 orphaned chimpanzees in Sierra Leone, has closed its doors to tourists as a protest against rampant deforestation in the area[1][2][3]. Founded by environmental advocate Bala Amarasekaran, the sanctuary's closure aims to draw attention to the urgent need for action against illegal logging, land grabbing, and other threats to the sanctuary's habitat[1][2][3].
Impact on Biodiversity
The sanctuary's closure highlights the dire state of Sierra Leone's forests. Over the past two decades, the country has lost approximately 2.17 million hectares of tree cover, representing 39% of its 2000 forest cover[1]. This deforestation has severely impacted wildlife habitats, including those critical to chimpanzees[1]. The encroachment on the sanctuary endangers the chimpanzees' habitat and survival, posing an existential threat to the refuge and biodiversity in the Western Area Peninsula Forest reserve where it is located[3].
Government Response
Sierra Leone's authorities have acknowledged the threats posed by illegal land seizures and logging. The government, led by President Julius Maada Bio, has sent a task force to conduct raids on illegal logging activities near the sanctuary[3]. However, according to Amarasekaran, the government’s follow-up and enforcement efforts have been insufficient to curb the problem effectively[3]. Information Minister Chernor Bah affirmed the government's commitment to protecting the forests and expressed understanding of the sanctuary's protest closure despite regretting it[3].
International Efforts
While international conservation organizations and donors are likely stakeholders, the sources do not detail specific international interventions or support programs currently involved in assisting Sierra Leone’s conservation efforts for Tacugama Sanctuary[1][2][3]. The UN and World Bank are providing additional support for conservation efforts in Sierra Leone[1].
The Future
The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary's leadership hopes the closure sparks more decisive national and international action to protect one of West Africa's most critical biodiversity hotspots[1][2][3]. The author, Sarah Tancredi, an experienced journalist and news reporter specializing in environmental and climate crisis issues, strives to inspire individuals, communities, and policymakers to take action to safeguard our planet for future generations[1]. The sanctuary's closure serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action against deforestation and the importance of protecting critical habitats for the preservation of biodiversity.
[1] Tancredi, S. (2025). Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary Closes to Protest Deforestation Threat. Retrieved from https://www.ecofocusnews.com/tacugama-chimpanzee-sanctuary-closes-to-protest-deforestation-threat
[2] Amarasekaran, B. (2025). Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary Closure: A Call to Action Against Deforestation. Retrieved from https://www.sleoneenvironmentmatters.org/tacugama-chimpanzee-sanctuary-closure-a-call-to-action-against-deforestation
[3] Sierra Leone Government Acknowledges Deforestation Crisis. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.sierraleone.gov.sl/news/sierra-leone-government-acknowledges-deforestation-crisis
- The closure of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary serves as a call-to-action for the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting industry to consider the impact of deforestation on biodiversity.
- In the realm of business and finance, it's crucial to recognize the significance of environmental-science education and self-development for sustainable practices and decision-making.
- To combat climate-change and preserve endangered species like chimpanzees, it's imperative for the energy sector to embrace cleaner and more sustainable alternatives, such as renewable energy sources.
- In addition to focusing on sports, athletes can contribute to conservation efforts by raising awareness about deforestation and its effects on biodiversity.
- To curb deforestation and save critical habitats, international collaboration between conservation organizations, governments, and the industry is essential.
- Effective enforcement of logging laws and regulations, combined with public awareness campaigns, can help safeguard our planet's forests and preserve the rich biodiversity they support.
