Uganda’s oldest Chimpanzee, Zakayo turns 44

Growing up i remember going to the then Entebbe Zoo, which has now been transformed into the Uganda Wildlife Education Center. The main attraction then was and still is Zakayo, a male chimpanzee whose name is probably more well known among the younger generation in Uganda than many people's names. This Chimpanzee which was brought to the zoo in 1976 turned 44 years old early this month. To mark this great occasion the Uganada Wildlife Education Centre hosted the public to celebrate this old grandpa's birthday party on Friday 15th of August. One would have thought it was a politician or some big shot who was celebrating his birthday party.

According to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre press release, Zakayo is one of the main attractions at the Conservation centre and his birthday deserved to be recognized together with a number of activities and the public needed to be invited. In the past this celebration involved the public mainly schools that came in bus loads and involves answering questions especially in connection to wildlife conservation, quiz and other competitions during the celebration.

Zakayo was rescued from Semliki in Bundibungyo district in june 1972 and was raised by hand. It is said to be very fatherly to the rest of the chimpanzees in the education centre going out and coming in the morning and evenings respectively. Zakayo has sired 8 chimpanzees since his arrival at the centre.

The Education centre officials urged the public to continue supporting tourism which has was the second highest income earner to the country in 2007.

For travel packages to East Africa visit;

• Uganda tours


• Chimpanzee tour


• Uganda Gorilla tours


• Chimpanzee trekking

Another Royal to Tour Uganda and The Source of The Nile River

Swaziland is one country in Africa that has retained its traditional African identity to a great extent. This small South African country is governed by a king King Mswati III. Swaziland is known for its strong cultural identity and its festivals world wide.
Kinga Mswati III is here in Uganda on a state visit in which he is expected to discuss a number of issues with His Excellence the President of Uganda. Among these is thought to be the fight against the HIV pandemic which has greatly hit this small kingdom, with an estimated 38.8% of the population said to be HIV positive.
Uganda is one country that was greatly devastated by this AIDS scourge which almost wiped out an entire generation. This can be reflected in the fact that Uganda has the youngest population in world, with over 51% of the population being under 15 years of age and 78% under 30 years of age.
However, due to an aggressive AIDS awareness campaign, Uganda managed to stave off this pandemic to just under 6% of the population from a whooping 39% in the early 90’s.
King Mswati is accompanied by his wife Inkhosikati LaMotsa, the UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, his brother, Prince Mabizela, sister, princess Ncengencenga and his four children.

The King just as Prince Charles did during the 2007 CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting ) held here in Kampala is expected to tour the source of the legendary Nile river this morning in Jinja before holding meetings with different government officials.

King Mswati is Africa’s last absolute monarch, appointing his prime ministers and other government officials with over 16 wives and 27 children. He has been on a tour of the world to raise funds for Swazi orphans and there has been a number of renown musicians who have heeded his call for help and joined in this effort, most notably Michael Jackson who recorded an album for the Swazi orphans.

For your Uganda tour and gorilla tour visit African Secrets.