Climate Change Challenges for African Ape Sanctuaries

Summary

Research indicates that climate change is significantly impacting both wild apes and the sanctuaries that care for them across Africa. Sanctuaries are facing challenges due to extreme weather patterns such as droughts and floods, which complicate the care for resident apes and increase human-wildlife conflict.
In April 2024, Kenya’s Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary was affected by flooding from the Ewaso Nyiro River, causing infrastructure damage and restricted movement for chimpanzees. Similar flooding issues are seen in Uganda’s Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary due to unprecedented water levels in Lake Victoria.
In Zambia, droughts have created food and water shortages, affecting both chimpanzees and local communities. The Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust is struggling to provide consistent resources due to agricultural challenges linked to drought.
Sanctuaries are adapting through various means, such as water conservation and tree-planting programs. Some are involved in broader conservation efforts, like the establishment of protected areas that function as carbon sinks, benefiting both apes and humans by mitigating climate change effects.
Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire, with sanctuaries requiring more resources and support to cope with the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related crises.