The authorities at Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary are deliberating over the implementation of vasectomy procedures for male chimpanzees to address the challenge of a growing chimp population, exacerbated by the failure of existing family planning methods. Dr. Joshua Rukundo, the Executive Director of the sanctuary, revealed this during the naming ceremony of the newest addition to the sanctuary, a male baby chimp named Silver, on February 23.
Dr. Rukundo outlined two potential options under consideration: vasectomy for male chimps and implantation of contraceptives in female chimps. However, he acknowledged that the current vasectomy procedures for animals are irreversible, posing challenges in terms of future fertility. He expressed interest in exploring experimental reversible contraception methods, although such approaches are yet to be tested extensively in apes.
While the sanctuary ideally wishes to reintroduce some chimps to the wild, discussions regarding this process are ongoing. In the interim, the consideration of selective vasectomy for certain male chimps and contraceptive implants for females is being explored to manage the sanctuary’s chimp population effectively.
The use of contraceptives at Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary is primarily motivated by the limited space on the island and the necessity to maintain a sustainable chimp population. Dr. Rukundo highlighted the importance of reversible contraception to ensure flexibility in population management and health considerations, enabling the sanctuary to accommodate both existing and rescued chimps comfortably.
Silver, the latest addition to the sanctuary, was born on June 6, 2023, to one of the oldest chimps, Cindy. Dr. Rukundo expressed surprise at Cindy’s pregnancy, as she had previously never exhibited signs of estrus. Despite this unexpected development, Cindy’s pregnancy was confirmed, and she gave birth to Silver after about two months.
The sanctuary utilizes contraceptive implants, such as Norplant, inserted under the skin of female chimps of childbearing age. However, failures in implant effectiveness have led to pregnancies among female chimps, prompting a reconsideration of contraceptive methods. Dr. Rukundo explained the challenges faced with various contraceptive options and the sanctuary’s transition to alternative methods like Zadel.
Silver, named by Ms. Silja Verhoeven from Silver HR in the Netherlands, symbolizes the era of his birth and embodies a curious nature, always eager to explore his surroundings. Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary, located on 100 acres of rainforest on Lake Victoria, currently houses 53 orphaned and rescued chimps. Among them are seven chimps born on the island after implant failures, including Surprise, Eazy, Temba, Bolly, Tam-tam, Rupalleria, and Silver.
