Sudhir donates UGX 50M to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. New born Chimp named RR

Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia accompanied with family friends and the media at were over the weekend at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, through the Ruparelia Foundation Sudhir Ruparelia donated 50 million shillings towards conservation of chimpanzees .

The family has also agreed to adopt the baby chimpanzee that has been named after Rajiv Ruparelia (RR). While still alive Rajiv Ruparelia supported the chimpanzee sanctuary on Lake Victoria in Mukono District.

The family through the Ruparelia Foundation has also been funding the one of the chimps RUPA already grown up Chimpanzee.

The legacy of the late Rajiv Ruparelia was celebrated in a unique and heartfelt tribute on Saturday recognizing his passion for wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and community service.

The ceremony was held at the sanctuary on Lake Victoria. attracting members of the Ruparelia family, conservationists, development partners, and officials from the Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and the Jane Goodall Institute representatives.

The young chimpanzee, a male born on November 29, 2025, was officially named “RR”, a gesture intended to preserve and celebrate Rajiv Ruparelia’s enduring commitment to conservation and social impact.

 Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia described the occasion as both emotional and meaningful, saying it reflected the values that Rajiv championed throughout his life.

“Rajiv believed very strongly that those of us who have been blessed with opportunity also have a responsibility to protect the vulnerable whether they are people, communities, or God’s creation,” he said.

He said that conservation extends beyond protecting animals and is ultimately about safeguarding Uganda’s natural heritage for future generations hence donating Ugx50m to this aid in the protection of these Chimpanzees.

“True development must include care for people, care for communities, and care for nature,” he said.

Officials at the sanctuary said the ceremony also underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing wildlife conservation and protecting Uganda’s endangered primates.

Chimpanzees at Ngamba Island are rescued from challenging circumstances, including illegal wildlife trafficking, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict. The sanctuary provides them with a safe environment, specialized veterinary care, and an opportunity to thrive in dignity.

“Many of the chimpanzees here have survived difficult circumstances. The work done at the sanctuary gives them safety, dignity and a second chance,” Dr. Ruparelia said.

The event also highlighted the broader mission of the sanctuary, which continues to play a critical role in chimpanzee rescue, rehabilitation, conservation education, and advocacy in Uganda.