Introduction: A Lifelong Commitment to Chimpanzee Conservation
In Sierra Leone, the critically endangered western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) faces growing threats from habitat loss, deforestation, illegal wildlife trade and expanding human activity. For the past 30 years, the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary has worked to rescue, rehabilitate and protect chimpanzees affected by these challenges. Few people have witnessed the sanctuary’s journey as closely as Willie Tucker, the conservancy’s camp supervisor, popularly known as “Pa Willie.” His conservation career began in 1990 when he studied wildlife management in Tanzania before joining Sierra Leone’s Wildlife Division. It was there that he met Bala Amarasekaran, Tacugama’s founder, who was caring for rescued chimpanzees and seeking to establish a rehabilitation center.
Pa Willie was among the small team that helped turn that vision into reality. After identifying a suitable forest reserve outside Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, and securing support from the European Union, Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary officially opened in October 1995. Today, as camp supervisor, Pa Willie remains a central figure in the sanctuary’s work. Over the years, he has helped rescue and care for hundreds of chimpanzees while witnessing the growing threats facing the species. His story reflects both a lifelong commitment to conservation and the remarkable growth of Sierra Leone’s leading chimpanzee sanctuary.
Key Threats to Western Chimpanzees in Sierra Leone
Habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade and climate change remain the leading threats to the western chimpanzee population in Sierra Leone. In a recent interview with Mongabay, Pa Willie explained the biggest drivers of decline. “The biggest threat to chimpanzees in Sierra Leone has been habitat destruction,” he said. “The forests where they live have been cleared for farming, housing and other human activities. As more forests disappear, chimpanzees lose the places they depend on for food, shelter and survival.”
Another major problem is the illegal pet trade. “Even after 30 years, we still rescue young chimpanzees from private homes and other places where they are being kept illegally. What many people do not realize is that when a baby chimpanzee is taken from the wild, its mother is often killed trying to protect it, and sometimes other members of the group are killed as well.” Climate change is also becoming a concern because it affects forests and food availability. The sanctuary currently cares for about 123 chimpanzees, with around 95% rescued from private homes and 5% born at the sanctuary.
The Scale of the Crisis
The number of chimpanzees at the sanctuary reflects the scale of the problem. “Even today, we continue to receive reports of chimpanzees being kept by individuals in different parts of the country. Whenever we receive reliable information about a chimpanzee being held illegally, we have a responsibility to investigate and, where necessary, rescue the animal and bring it to the sanctuary,” Pa Willie said.
Community-Based Conservation and Livelihood Programs
Through community livelihood programs including livestock and seed support, conservationists are trying to help reduce dependence on forests and hunting. “One of the things we do through our outreach programs is support communities with alternative ways of earning a living so that they do not have to depend heavily on forest resources or hunting wildlife,” Pa Willie explained. “In some communities, we provide livestock such as goats and chickens to help families improve their livelihoods. We also support farming activities by providing seeds, including rice and groundnuts, so that people can increase food production and generate income from agriculture.”
These programs are implemented in areas around Tiwai Island (a wildlife sanctuary in Southern province) and Outamba-Kilimi National Park (northwestern Sierra Leone). The goal is to show that conservation and community development can go hand in hand.
National Animal Designation Boosts Awareness
In 2019, Sierra Leone designated the western chimpanzee as the country’s national animal, strengthening public awareness and support for conservation. “The recognition of the western chimpanzee as Sierra Leone’s national animal has helped increase public awareness and respect for the species. More people now see chimpanzees as part of the country’s identity and understand the importance of protecting them and their habitats,” Pa Willie said.
The Future of Chimpanzee Conservation: Lessons and Hope
Pa Willie received a major award in 2009 recognizing his decades of dedication. “That was a very proud moment for me. I never did this work for recognition, but the award showed that the conservation work being done at Tacugama was being noticed beyond Sierra Leone. It motivated me to continue and reminded me that every rescued chimpanzee matters.” He hopes it sends a message that conservation is important and that anyone can make a difference.
As camp supervisor, Pa Willie mentors staff and emphasizes patience, respect for wildlife, and dedication. He encourages the next generation: “Conservation is not just a job. It is a responsibility. Skills can be learned, but passion comes from within. If they truly care about wildlife and remain committed to protecting it, they will continue the work long after people like me are gone.”
Pa Willie concludes with a message to the public: “Chimpanzees are very intelligent animals and they deserve our respect and protection. Many of the chimpanzees we rescue have suffered because of human activities. We all have a role to play in protecting them. What we do today will determine whether future generations will still have the opportunity to see chimpanzees in Sierra Leone.”