Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary: A Wildlife Haven in Sierra Leone

• HelloYɛp
  [yep]
• GoodbyeTɛnki
  [ten-ki]
• YesAwo
  [ah-woh]
• NoNɔ
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomeKɛkɛ
  [keh-keh]
• Thank youTenki
  [ten-ki]
• Excuse me/SorrySɔri
  [soh-ree]
• How are you?Ɛdi ɔ?
  [eh-dee oh?]
• Fine. And you?Dɔn dɔn. Ɛdi?
  [dohn dohn. eh-dee?]
• Do you speak English?Yu de tok Ɛnglish?
  [you deh tok eh-ngli-sh?]
• I don't understandAh nɔ sabi
  [ah noh sah-bee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAh go layk fɔ si di minyu, abeg
  [ah go layk foh see dee mee-nyoo, ah-beg]
• I don't eat meatAh nɔ deɛt mɛt
  [ah noh deh-eht meht]
• Cheers!Lɔŋ taim
  [lohng tah-eem]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAh go layk fɔ pɛl, abeg
  [ah go layk foh pehl, ah-beg]

• Help!Ɛlp!
  [ehlp!]
• Go away!Gɔ we
  [goh weh]
• Call the Police!Kɔl di Polis!
  [kohl dee poh-lees!]
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  [kohl dohk-toh!]
• I'm lostAh lɔs
  [ah lohs]
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  [ah seek]

• I'd like to buy...Ah go layk fɔ baɪ...
  [ah go layk foh bahy...]
• I'm just lookingAh jɔs luk
  [ah johs look]
• How much is it?Na ɔl mɔch di tin?
  [nah ohl moch dee teen?]
• That's too expensiveDɛn tɔ fɔr
  [dehn toh for]
• Can you lower the price?Yu fit lɔ da prais?
  [you feet loh dah price?]

• What time is it?Wetin taim di?
  [weh-teen tah-eem dee?]
• It's one o'clockNa wan taim
  [nah wahn tah-eem]
• Half past (10)Haf paas tin
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• MorningMɔnin
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• AfternoonAftanun
  [ahf-tah-noon]
• EveningIvinin
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• YesterdayIɛda
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• TodayTide
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• TomorrowMɔra
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• 1Wan
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• 9Nain
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• 10Tin
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• Where's a/the...?Dɛn de fɔ...?
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• What's the address?Wetin da adres?
  [weh-teen dah ah-dress?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yu sabi shɔ mi?
  [you sah-bee shoh mee?]
• When's the next (bus)?Wɛn di nɛks wan dɔn kam?
  [wehn dee neks wahn dohn kahm?]
• A ticket (to ....)Wan tikɛt fɔ...
  [wahn tee-keh-t foh...]

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary was founded in 1995 by conservationist Bala Amarasekaran and his wife Sharmila. The sanctuary was created to address the urgent need for a safe haven for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees in Sierra Leone. It started with just a few chimpanzees and has grown into a significant conservation and rehabilitation center.

In the early years, Tacugama faced numerous challenges including limited resources, lack of awareness, and political instability in Sierra Leone. Despite these obstacles, the sanctuary continued to grow, thanks to the dedication of its founders and support from international conservation organizations. By the late 1990s, Tacugama had established itself as a key player in chimpanzee conservation in West Africa.

The Sierra Leone Civil War (1991-2002) posed significant threats to the sanctuary. During the conflict, the sanctuary faced the risk of being abandoned as the safety of both the staff and the chimpanzees was jeopardized. Despite these turbulent times, the sanctuary managed to continue its operations, although it was a period marked by severe logistical and financial challenges.

After the civil war ended, Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary began a period of recovery and rebuilding. Efforts were made to repair infrastructure, expand facilities, and enhance conservation programs. The sanctuary also increased its focus on community outreach and education to raise awareness about chimpanzee conservation and the importance of protecting their natural habitat.

Tacugama has played a crucial role in promoting conservation and education in Sierra Leone. The sanctuary has developed various programs aimed at protecting chimpanzees and their habitats, including reforestation projects, anti-poaching initiatives, and community education programs. These efforts have significantly contributed to the conservation of chimpanzees in the region and have helped foster a culture of environmental stewardship among local communities.

Over the years, Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary has gained international recognition for its conservation efforts. The sanctuary has established partnerships with numerous global organizations, including the Jane Goodall Institute and the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA). These collaborations have brought valuable resources and expertise to Tacugama, enhancing its ability to protect and rehabilitate chimpanzees.

Tacugama has embraced ecotourism as a means of promoting sustainable development and generating funds for its conservation activities. Visitors to the sanctuary can participate in guided tours, learn about chimpanzee behavior, and witness the rehabilitation process. This approach not only supports the sanctuary financially but also raises global awareness about the importance of chimpanzee conservation.

Today, Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary continues to innovate and expand its conservation efforts. Current initiatives include advanced research on chimpanzee behavior and health, as well as expanded community outreach programs. The sanctuary is also exploring new ways to enhance its ecotourism offerings while maintaining a strong focus on the welfare of the chimpanzees and the preservation of their natural habitats.

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is located in the Western Area Peninsula National Park, just outside of Freetown, Sierra Leone. The nearest international airport is Lungi International Airport (FNA). From the airport, you can take a ferry or water taxi to Freetown, and then a road trip of approximately 30-40 minutes to reach the sanctuary. Taxis and private car hires are available for this journey.

Transportation options within Freetown include taxis, motorbikes (okadas), and shared minibuses (poda-podas). Hiring a private car or taxi is the most convenient way to visit Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, especially if you are unfamiliar with local routes. Public transportation is available but may not always be reliable or comfortable.

The official currency of Sierra Leone is the Leone (SLL). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is essential to carry cash. ATMs are available in Freetown, but it is advisable to withdraw sufficient funds before traveling to Tacugama. The sanctuary accepts payments in Leones and sometimes in US dollars.

Sierra Leone is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas of Freetown. Some neighborhoods with higher crime rates include Eastern Freetown and certain parts of the Central Business District. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuables.

In case of an emergency, you can contact local authorities by dialing 999. Freetown has several hospitals and clinics, including Connaught Hospital and Choithram Memorial Hospital. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary has trained staff to handle minor injuries and emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and modest clothing suitable for tropical weather. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or expensive accessories. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices. Sierra Leone is predominantly Muslim, so be mindful of dress codes and behavior in religious areas. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using public transport. Public buses and poda-podas can be crowded. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Sierra Leoneans are generally friendly and welcoming. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like cassava leaves and jollof rice. Don’t drink tap water; always opt for bottled or purified water.

To experience Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary like a local, consider joining a guided tour to learn about the sanctuary's conservation efforts and the chimpanzees' stories. Visit the on-site eco-lodge for an immersive experience in the natural surroundings. Interact with the local staff to gain insights into the sanctuary's daily operations and challenges. Don't miss the chance to explore the surrounding forest trails for bird watching and nature walks.