Uganda’s oldest Chimpanzee dies (Zakayo)

Zakayo, the oldest chimpanzee in Uganda, passed away on April 26th, 2018, at the age of 54. On June 19, 1964, Zakayo was turned over to the care of the Uganda Wildlife Education Center, an organization that was founded for wildlife conservation and cares for rescued animals who are frequently victims of the bushmeat trade, habitat destruction, and illegal trade. Zakayo was found abandoned in Semliki by an unknown person (who is said to be a “white man”) in June 1964.

One of these numerous creatures was Zakayo, who was cared for by the Uganda Wildlife Education Center from the age of four till his passing on April 26, 2018. Chimpanzees typically live 40–50 years in the wild and 50–60 years in captivity. Zakayo, who was Uganda’s oldest chimpanzee overall, has reached his 54th year, and we at Simba Africa Expeditions would want to take a moment to honor his life.