On the shores of Lake Victoria sits your first hot spot of tourism, Uganda’s most eminent zoo, internationally known as the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center (UWEC), and locally known as the Entebbe Zoo. It is a conservation center where all animals found
in Uganda can be accessed.
A Brief History.
This area opened its doors in 1952 as a reception center for wild animals that were found as casualties, either injured, orphaned, sick, or confiscated from the illegal trade. However, in the 1960s it changed its role into a zoo and non-indigenous species like bears and tigers were introduced and kept as an attraction.
More than three decades later, in 1994, wildlife management was restructured and the zoo turned into the Uganda Wildlife Education Center trust. The aim was to develop the zoo with an emphasis on conservation Education. Today, it is a host to free-ranging and caged animals, birds, several tree species, and shrubs.
The Wildlife.
On your visit, the animals to look out for include, but are not limited to the following: The rock python, cheetah, leopard, lions, shoe bill stork, tortoise, giraffes, chimpanzees, baby elephants,s and Rhinos.
A Noble Cause.
The center functions as a conservation Education center, a rehabilitation center, and a recreation center where people come to see a variety of wild animals. The center contributes to scientific research and is committed to developing education programs for the general public with an emphasis on instilling a conservation ethic.
The Centre cares for rescued animals often victims of the bush meat trade, habitat destruction, or illegal trade. Individuals that can make it in the wild are released back. The Centre doesn’t buy animals nor uses them for entertainment, but rather as ambassadors to help save and maintain those in the wild.
| Activities. While at the center, it’s beyond seeing and learning about animals. One gets to listen to interpretative talks from the keepers; guides who work with animals every day. You can sign up as an animal surrogate mother for a day, participate in; corporate events, behind the scenes |
| experiences and get to see primates, elephants, giraffes, birds, and other animals at close range. The highlight of this visit is the close-up you get of the chimps. Consider this: Have you ever imagined meeting your closest cousin without a barrier in between? Subject to the provision of valid health proof, participate in the chimpanzee integration experience. In the company of a keeper, you will take the individuals on a walk at the island moat. Observe them enjoy life on trees, learn, and adapt to living with other chimps in a forest-like environment. The purpose is to help newly rescued chimpanzees, slowly build the confidence and trust of other chimps who in turn become their long-term allies. |
On the Shores of Lake Victoria
Integration is a long and continuous process that is undertaken on schedule, by the keepers. This experience takes one hour in a controlled environment. Listen to the chimp caregiver talk about how they came to their history, how they came to the center, their behavior, and their challenges.
Prepare to be groomed by the infants, and to return a favor through carrying or grooming them. Chimps enjoy rough trickles and can be rough. Your guide will help interpret the different sounds, and gestures and advise on how to behave whilst with your closest cousins. Imagine a chimp holding their cup of porridge, peeling a banana, or asking for more food! Find out all these and more through participating in this unique once-in-a-lifetime experience! Just COME.
