NGAMBA ISLAND, UGANDA — The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary community is mourning the death of Ikuru, a 30-year-old rescued chimpanzee whose extraordinary life journey embodied both tragedy and triumph.
Ikuru, whose name means “the happy one” in the Lugbara language, was found dead in the forest area of the sanctuary on October 17, 2025, after she failed to return to her sleeping quarters the previous evening. A post-mortem later revealed that she had succumbed to severe injuries sustained during a fight with fellow chimpanzees deep in the forest.
From War-Torn Congo to Safe Haven
Born in the mid-1990s in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ikuru’s early years were marked by war and loss. She was orphaned during armed conflict and rescued in poor condition — malnourished, bloated, and with severe hair loss. Her rescue flight brought her to Uganda, where the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary became her permanent home.
Over the years, caregivers nursed her back to health, noting her playful nature and intelligence. Ikuru was known for clapping to attract attention and skillfully using tools to fetch food — signs of her sharp instincts and strong personality.
A Heartfelt Farewell
When word of her death broke, the entire sanctuary community — staff, caregivers, and fellow chimpanzees — went into mourning. A quiet burial ceremony was held on the island. Her body was cremated, and the ashes laid to rest beneath the forest canopy she had roamed for years.
Staff members described emotional scenes as other chimpanzees gathered silently near the burial site, an instinctive gesture of farewell often observed among primates. It was a poignant reminder of the emotional depth and intelligence of these animals.
A Legacy of Resilience
Ikuru’s story is one of survival and second chances. From surviving the horrors of war to thriving in a sanctuary devoted to her care, she became a symbol of hope for rescued wildlife. Her passing has renewed attention to the vital work of sanctuaries like Ngamba Island, which provides refuge to more than 50 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees from across the region.
“Her loss reminds us why sanctuaries matter,” said one caregiver. “Every chimpanzee here carries a story — and Ikuru’s was one of courage.”
About Ngamba Island Sanctuary
Founded in 1998 on Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is managed by the Chimpanzee Trust. It serves as a permanent home for rescued chimpanzees that cannot return to the wild due to trauma, injury, or human conflict. The sanctuary also supports conservation education, research, and public awareness campaigns across East Africa.
In Memory of Ikuru
Ikuru’s life and death have touched many. For those who knew her — and for all who follow the sanctuary’s work — she remains a reminder of the resilience and emotional richness of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
“Ikuru may be gone, but her spirit remains among the trees and her companions,” said a sanctuary volunteer. “She taught us about forgiveness, recovery, and the will to live.”
