Gambia River Chimpanzee Sanctuary
CompletedSecuring the habitat of reintroduced chimpanzees and fostering low-impact river-based ecotourism in The Gambia.
The Baboon Island archipelago in the Gambia River is home to a unique chimpanzee rehabilitation project. This initiative protects the forest canopy on these islands, prevents human-wildlife conflict along the banks, and supports low-impact tourist viewing from boats.
Project Objectives
- Patrol riverways to prevent unauthorized landings on the sanctuary islands.
- Provide training and energy-efficient cookstoves to river bank communities to reduce fuel-wood cutting.
- Train local boat captains in responsible, distance-based wildlife viewing protocols.
Impact Summary
No unauthorized landings have occurred on the sanctuary islands in the past 12 months, and chimpanzee populations continue to grow naturally.
Project Timeline
Community Fuelwood Initiative Launch
Distributed 200 fuel-efficient stoves to reduce river forest cutting.
Sanctuary Patrol Boat Deployment
Purchased and launched a solar-powered patrol boat for rangers.
Ecotourism Guide Certification
Certified 15 boat captains in wildlife safety and guide protocols.
Project Info
Country: Gambia
Started: Mar 2020
Ended: Mar 2025
Budget: $120,000
Status: Completed