10 Things to Do in Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary (Freetown), Sierra Leone
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary (TCS) in Freetown, Sierra Leone is one of the most unique and inspiring places to visit in the world. Located in the lush tropical rainforest, the sanctuary is home to more than 90 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees, providing them with a safe and secure environment in which to live, learn, and thrive. TCS offers a variety of activities for visitors, from wildlife viewing and education programs to volunteer opportunities and chimpanzee adoption. Here are 10 things to do when visiting the sanctuary.
1. Explore the Sanctuary: TCS is spread across more than 70 hectares of rainforest and is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and other primates. Take a guided tour of the sanctuary to learn more about its history and the work that is done to protect and rehabilitate the chimpanzees.
2. Meet the Chimpanzees: Get up close and personal with the chimpanzees at TCS. The sanctuary offers several different types of chimpanzee encounters, from one-on-one meetings to group visits.
3. Attend an Education Program: TCS offers a variety of educational programs for visitors, from lectures and presentations to interactive workshops and activities. Learn more about primates, conservation, and the work that TCS does to protect and rehabilitate chimpanzees.
4. Volunteer: TCS offers volunteer opportunities for those interested in helping out with the care and rehabilitation of the chimpanzees. Volunteers can help with feeding, enrichment activities, and more.
5. Go on a Night Tour: Take a guided night tour of the sanctuary to observe the nocturnal wildlife. Learn about the different animals that live in the sanctuary and how they adapt to the darkness.
6. Adopt a Chimpanzee: TCS offers a unique opportunity to adopt a chimpanzee and help provide for their care and rehabilitation. Adopters receive a certificate, a photo, and updates on their adopted chimpanzee.
7. Shop at the Gift Shop: The TCS gift shop offers a variety of items, from books and clothing to toys and souvenirs. All proceeds from the gift shop go towards the care and rehabilitation of the chimpanzees.
8. Take a Hike: Explore the rainforest and take a guided hike through the sanctuary. Learn about the various plants and animals that live in the sanctuary and how they interact with each other.
9. Visit the Chimpanzee Hospital: The TCS hospital provides medical care for the chimpanzees and other wildlife in the sanctuary. Visitors can observe the medical staff at work and learn more about how the sanctuary cares for its animals.
10. Enjoy the View: Take in the beauty of the sanctuary from the observation tower. The tower provides a panoramic view of the sanctuary and the surrounding rainforest.
Visiting Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a unique and inspiring experience. From wildlife viewing and educational programs to volunteer opportunities and chimpanzee adoption, there is something for everyone at TCS. So come and explore the sanctuary and make a difference in the lives of the chimpanzees.