The Ruparelia family has honoured the memory of the late Rajiv Ruparelia by adopting a baby chimpanzee at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, reaffirming their long-standing commitment to wildlife conservation in Uganda.

During a visit to the sanctuary on Lake Victoria, the family officially adopted the infant chimpanzee and named it “RR”, a tribute to Rajiv Ruparelia, whose passion for environmental conservation and protection of Uganda’s wildlife was widely recognised.

The symbolic ceremony was attended by members of the Ruparelia family, friends, conservation officials, and invited guests, who described the adoption as a fitting way to preserve Rajiv’s legacy following his untimely death in a road accident last year.

Sanctuary officials noted that Rajiv consistently supported initiatives aimed at protecting endangered species and promoting sustainable conservation.
“Rajiv believed that preserving nature was a responsibility shared by everyone. Naming this young chimpanzee in his honour ensures that his dedication to conservation will continue to inspire others,” one official said.

The adoption builds on the family’s existing partnership with the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Through the Ruparelia Foundation, the family previously sponsored another chimpanzee named RUPA, demonstrating a sustained commitment to the sanctuary’s conservation work.
As part of the visit, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Chairman of the Ruparelia Group, announced a Shs50 million contribution through the Ruparelia Foundation to support the sanctuary’s conservation programmes.

The funding will help provide food, veterinary care, rehabilitation, and long-term shelter for rescued chimpanzees, while also supporting environmental education and public awareness initiatives.

Officials at the sanctuary praised the Foundation’s continued support, saying partnerships with the private sector are vital to protecting Uganda’s endangered wildlife.
“Looking after rescued chimpanzees requires significant resources. Support from organisations like the Ruparelia Foundation enables us to continue providing high-quality care while advancing conservation education,” a sanctuary representative said.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to orphaned and rescued chimpanzees that have been saved from illegal wildlife trafficking, poaching, and other forms of abuse. In addition to offering lifelong care, the sanctuary serves as an important centre for conservation research, education, and wildlife awareness.

For the Ruparelia family, the occasion was about more than conservation. By naming the young chimpanzee RR, they created a lasting tribute to Rajiv Ruparelia’s compassion, love for nature, and commitment to giving back to society.

The adoption, together with the financial donation, reinforces the family’s dedication to preserving Uganda’s natural heritage while ensuring that Rajiv Ruparelia’s legacy continues to inspire future generations through meaningful conservation efforts.