R.I.P Zakayo. Oldest Chimpanzee in Uganda Passes on

It is all mourning and sadness in the tourism industry, as we lay one of the oldest, yet pride of the country to rest. Zakayo, the Chimpanzee who has lived at Entebbe Zoo has passed away at the age of 54.

WHAT KILLED ZAKAYO?

We have celebrated all his birthdays with him, since the time he was taken to the Zoo. The children loved him, and all the staff that worked with him, describe how he was one of the finest creatures they ever came across. Zakayo had grown older than very many in his species and was now week in the presence of disease. Various reports indicate that he succumbed to Chronic Gastroenteritis. This is a disease, that causes gas in the stomach. He was the King of UWEC.

Zakayo showing off how powerful he is.

It was just recently when this strong guy celebrated his 54th birthday, and was given a cake made up of fruits. You could see the joy on his face, and not expect that it was soon time for him to depart from us. It brings yet another loss to the tourism industry. This will have a great effect on the conservation of some of our species. Rest in Peace, Soldier.

His 54th Birthday, he enjoyed a wonderful cake given to him

Zakayo, Uganda’s Oldest Chimpanzee Turns 54

It’s a big day for one of Uganda’s main men. A man who contributes in both the tourism and environmental sector, Zakayo.

Uganda’s oldest Chimpanzee will today be koined jt the wildlook fe conservation team to celebrate his 54th birthday. The event will take place at UWEC zoo in Entebbe district.

Zakayo party last year

According to our sources, Zakayo was rescued at one year on  10th June, 1964, from Bundibugyo. The person who picked him up, stayed with the chimp zee fro about thirteen. years before later handing hi I’m over to Entebbe Zoo in 1976. He was the alpha male from 1976 to 2011,

Zakayo cake last year

Apparently, around 1000 school children will be part of this celebration, which will contain a tree planting procession as one of the events.

Birthday boy eating his 2016 cake

“We shall also have educative talks on chimpanzees, art exhibition, music dance and drama from different schools,” said Isaac Mujasi, in charge of marketing for Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.

We shall kewp.you posted on the details of the celebration. Happy Birthday to you Zakayo, from Ghafla.