ENTEBBE.The family of Kampala businessman Sudhir Ruparelia has adopted a baby chimpanzee less than a year old, which was officially unveiled and named “RR”.
This gesture is largely aimed at paying tribute to his son Rajiv Ruparelia, who was killed in a motor crash last year.
The gesture also carries special significance given Rajiv Ruparelia’s longstanding support for the sanctuary and its conservation programmes during his lifetime.
According to sanctuary officials at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary., Rajiv was a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability, earning recognition from conservationists and members of the public for his commitment to protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.
Through the Ruparelia Foundation, the family has also donated Shs50m to support activities at the sanctuary .For years the family has been sponsoring the care of a chimpanzee known as RUPA, which has since grown into adulthood under the sanctuary’s protection.
“The funds will support ongoing conservation programmes aimed at protecting rescued and orphaned chimpanzees housed at the sanctuary” officials said .
Sudhir, accompanied by family members, friends and members of the media, visited the sanctuary on Lake Victoria at the weekend and said the adoption of baby RR further strengthens the family’s long-standing
Speaking during the visit, sanctuary officials commended the Ruparelia Foundation for its continued contribution to wildlife conservation, noting that private sector support remains critical in sustaining rescue, rehabilitation and education programmes while safeguarding Uganda’s endangered chimpanzee population.
They said partnerships with individuals, corporations and charitable organisations play an important role in ensuring the sanctuary can continue caring for rescued chimpanzees and raising awareness about conservation.