The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone provides a refuge for over 120 critically endangered western chimpanzees rescued from mistreatment and hunting. However, illegal encroachment threatens the sanctuary as housing developments encroach on protected areas, prompting founder Bala Amarasekaran to advocate for stronger government enforcement of wildlife laws. In response, the sanctuary has closed to visitors to focus on rehabilitation and conservation efforts, while the government acknowledges the complexity of the issue and the need for more effective action to protect this national symbol.
