The minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Hon. Col. (Rtd) Tom R. Butime together with Tourism stakeholders on Tuesday this week commissioned the unveil of a newly built fallen Zakayo (Chimpanzee) sculpture at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC), Entebbe so as to celebrate his legacy that proved him a darling to visitors for over fifty five years.
The minister recognized Zakayo as a primate conservation ambassador in Uganda while he was on a maiden visit as Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities having replaced former minister Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu. The minister also commended UWEC’s commitment to wildlife conservation education and encouraged the institution to breed species which are at risk of extinction in the wild.
While commenting on the great contribution of Zakayo towards the country’s tourism, Dr. James Musinguzi, UWEC Executive Director, said “Zakayo was an icon at UWEC and a great ambassador to wild animals out there in the field. He is a testimony of UWEC’s education and conservation programs. He attracted a lot of tourists to UWEC, but also Uganda at large. He was a respected elder, great father who protected the young chimpanzees and settled family conflicts.
He is also credited for the strong family bond among chimpanzees at UWEC. It is, therefore, befitting for us to recognize the efforts and contribution to Uganda’s conservation.”
Earlier last year, in honor of Uganda’s oldest known chimpanzee who was a beneficiary of Exsitu conservation for 42 years at the model zoo, UWEC established a Zakayo Legacy Day on 27 October.
Zakayo succumbed to chronic gastroenteritis (Stomach ulcers), a sickness that afflicted his intestines and brought his 55-years illustrious life to an end.
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