From Accountant to Conservation Hero: The Lifelong Fight to Save Sierra Leone’s Chimps
By SKS
In a quiet corner of Sierra Leone’s Western Area Peninsula National Park, a sanctuary stands as a testament to resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication.
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, founded by Bala Amarasekaran nearly three decades ago, has become a beacon of hope for orphaned and endangered chimpanzees, showcasing the extraordinary impact one individual can have in environmental conservation.
Amarasekaran, a 64-year-old accountant by training, never envisioned himself as a wildlife rescuer. His journey into conservation was unplanned, sparked by a chance encounter that changed his life forever.
In 1988, during a trip through Sierra Leone’s countryside with his wife, Amarasekaran discovered a malnourished baby chimpanzee tied to a tree. Moved by the creature’s plight, they took him in, naming him Bruno. Little did they know that this act of kindness would ignite a lifelong passion.
Over the years, Amarasekaran’s home became an informal sanctuary, housing up to seven chimps at a time. The bond between him and the primates grew strong, rooted in mutual affection and trust. Despite the challenges—chimps escaping, causing damage, and occasional mischief—the love and commitment never waned. His efforts gained recognition after a pivotal meeting with renowned primatologist Jane Goodall in 1993, which helped him secure funding from the European Union and government approval to establish a formal sanctuary.
Founded in 1995, Tacugama quickly gained prominence, not only as a refuge for rescued chimpanzees but also as a symbol of Sierra Leone’s commitment to environmental conservation. The sanctuary rehabilitates orphaned chimps, many of whom are victims of poaching, illegal pet trade, or habitat destruction. Once stabilized, the primates are gradually introduced into their protected rainforest habitat, part of a broader effort to preserve Sierra Leone’s rich biodiversity.
Amarasekaran’s journey has been fraught with peril.
During Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war (1991-2002), the sanctuary was attacked twice by rebels, and staff members had to negotiate with fighters to protect the chimps. Later, the Ebola epidemic and the recent surge in illegal deforestation have posed additional threats, forcing Amarasekaran to take drastic measures. Since late May, he has temporarily closed Tacugama as a protest against government inaction on illegal logging and encroachment—actions that threaten the very habitat of his beloved chimps.
Despite these setbacks, Amarasekaran remains resolute. His love for the chimps is palpable; he considers them family, often visiting with beloved residents like Mac, Mortes, and Abu. His deep bond with the animals is rooted in understanding that, just like humans, chimps seek love, safety, and companionship.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, Sierra Leone declared the chimpanzee the national animal, a victory for conservation awareness. Yet, the ongoing threats from habitat loss and illegal activities continue to challenge the sanctuary’s future.
Amarasekaran’s story is a testament to how one man’s compassion can ignite change. As the world faces mounting environmental crises, his unwavering commitment reminds us that hope lies in individual action.
Tacugama is more than a sanctuary; it’s a symbol of resilience, demonstrating that with dedication, even the most vulnerable can be protected and cherished.
