Silent Chimpanzee Refuge: A Stand Against Sierra Leone Deforestation
The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone, founded by Bala Amarasekaran, has closed its doors to protest rampant deforestation. The government acknowledges the land threats but hasn't sufficiently acted, prompting Amarasekaran to maintain the closure. Deforestation has significantly affected the sanctuary and wildlife, threatening their existence.
West Africa's largest chimpanzee refuge remains closed as its founder, Bala Amarasekaran, protests rampant deforestation in Sierra Leone. The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to over 100 orphaned chimps, highlights the severe threat posed by unchecked land seizures and illegal logging to Sierra Leone's rich wildlife.
Despite government acknowledgment of the environmental threats, Amarasekaran insists more action is needed, citing encroachment nearing the sanctuary as a significant danger. Sierra Leone has lost nearly 39% of its tree cover since 2000, with land grabbing for development exacerbating deforestation near the Western Area Peninsula.
Deforestation's dire consequences were underscored by a 2017 mudslide that killed around 1,000 people, linked to heavy rain and environmental degradation. Authorities express regret over Tacugama's closure and promise to safeguard forests, but Amarasekaran criticizes the lack of ongoing government interventions to prevent further ecological damage.
(With inputs from agencies.)
Google News