The Ruparelia Foundation has reinforced its commitment to wildlife conservation by donating Shs50 million to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, providing vital support for the care and protection of rescued chimpanzees.

The contribution was announced during a visit by businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, members of the Ruparelia family, and close associates to the sanctuary on Lake Victoria, where they also participated in the adoption of a young chimpanzee named “RR” in memory of the late Rajiv Ruparelia.

The financial support will assist the sanctuary in caring for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees, funding veterinary services, nutrition, rehabilitation programmes, habitat maintenance, and conservation education initiatives.

A key highlight of the visit was the official naming of baby chimpanzee RR, a male born on November 29, 2025. The adoption was dedicated to Rajiv Ruparelia, the former Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, whose passion for environmental conservation made him a longstanding supporter of the sanctuary before his passing in May 2025.

Conservation officials described the naming as a meaningful tribute that will keep Rajiv’s dedication to wildlife protection alive while strengthening the family’s enduring relationship with the sanctuary.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust Chairman Dr. Joshua Rukundo praised the Ruparelia Foundation for its continued partnership, noting that private-sector support plays an essential role in safeguarding Uganda’s endangered chimpanzees.

He explained that donations from corporate partners help sustain rescue operations, provide specialised veterinary care, improve animal welfare, protect natural habitats, and expand public awareness programmes on conservation.

Dr. Rukundo also paid tribute to Rajiv Ruparelia, describing him as an individual who genuinely cared about preserving Uganda’s natural environment and who consistently championed conservation initiatives.

The adoption of baby RR further strengthens a relationship that has existed for years between the Ruparelia Foundation and Ngamba Island. The Foundation previously sponsored another chimpanzee named RUPA, demonstrating its long-term investment in wildlife conservation.

During the visit, guests watched the young chimpanzee interact with its environment, a moment sanctuary staff said symbolised renewed hope for the future of Uganda’s endangered primates.

Beyond environmental conservation, the Ruparelia Foundation continues to support projects in education, healthcare, sports, and community development, contributing to social and economic progress across the country.

Located approximately 23 kilometres southwest of Entebbe on Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary provides a permanent home for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees that have been saved from poaching, illegal wildlife trafficking, habitat destruction, and the illegal pet trade.

Managed by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) since its establishment in 1998, the sanctuary has grown into one of Africa’s leading centres for primate conservation, combining wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, scientific research, and environmental education to protect one of Uganda’s most treasured species.