Uganda’s and probably the world’s oldest chimpanzee – Zakayo – celebrated a belated birthday (usually celebrated in September) today at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe.
The elderly chimp was treated to a specially-baked cake to the excitement of merry making by visitors and tourists, and of course fellow chimps.
Zakayo generously shared his cake with the rest of the chimps. He has adopted many of them since they were orphaned and brought to the center.
As a grandfather and elder, Zakayo has a busy schedule which includes mentoring, disciplining, settling disputes, and naturally, celebrating birthdays.
Speaking at the celebrations, Executive Director of UWEC, James Musinguzi, said: “The day is used to create awareness of the plight of chimps in the wild and the need to conserve them. It is a great honor and a great day, because this is an opportunity for us to showcase the oldest chimp in the world.”
Zakayo was rescued from Semliki National Park in 1964 after he was abandoned. At that time it was believed that he was two years old. He has been living in Entebbe since then, and he was relocated there in 1976. May he live to blow many more candles!
