Emergency Repairs of the Chimpanzee Fence

In February 2026, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary experienced a major setback when strong winds from the north placed significant pressure on the eastern section of the sanctuary’s forest and high-security enclosures. As a result, the double-layered main forest fence was brought down towards the forest.

Fortunately, the incident occurred while the chimpanzees were safely inside their night-holding facility. The animal care team responded immediately and secured the affected area to prevent any risk to the chimpanzees and to maintain the security of the sanctuary.

However, the damage required more than temporary repairs. A substantial section of the fence needed to be completely rebuilt using stronger and more durable materials. These included galvanized pipes, angle iron, iron bars, plastic-coated mesh, cement, drums, and other construction materials.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation and the need to maintain a secure environment for the rescued and orphaned chimpanzees, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary sought financial assistance to support the reconstruction. Through the generous support received through GlobalGiving and its donors, the sanctuary was able to mobilize the necessary materials, equipment, and skilled personnel and complete the fence reconstruction within approximately two months.

2. What the project involved

The project required careful planning, procurement, transportation, and installation of the materials needed to rebuild the damaged sections of the sanctuary’s fencing.

A contractor and experienced construction team were identified to undertake the work. Because Ngamba Island is located in Lake Victoria, all construction materials had to be transported from mainland Uganda to the island by cargo boat.

The materials and equipment used during the project included:

Galvanized pipes

Angle iron

Iron bars

Plastic-coated mesh

Cement

Drums for anchoring the fence

Crushed stone

Sand

Fuel for the welding generator

Wire strainer machine

Electric hammer

Other tools and materials required for construction and welding

The construction team included experienced workers and divers who supported the installation and anchoring of the fence. Their expertise was particularly important because sections of the fence had to be securely anchored in and around the lake environment to improve stability and durability.

3. Fence repairs and construction

The project included work on both the High Security Enclosure fence and the main forest fence.

Particular attention was given to strengthening the foundations and anchoring points so that the rebuilt fence would be better able to withstand environmental conditions. The use of galvanized pipes and other stronger materials was intended to improve the durability and security of the fence.

The work was completed within approximately two months, allowing the sanctuary to restore the necessary level of security around the chimpanzee enclosures.

4. Challenges encountered

The project was undertaken under difficult conditions, with several challenges arising from the island’s location and the nature of the construction work.

Working in deep water:
Some sections of the work required personnel to work in water that was deeper than anticipated. This made it difficult to position and install the heavy galvanized pipes safely and efficiently.

Strong waves:
Lake Victoria can experience strong waves, particularly during periods of unfavorable weather. These conditions made it challenging for workers to carry out construction and anchoring activities in the water.

Heavy rainfall:
The project coincided with periods of heavy rain. Some of the machinery and equipment required relatively dry working conditions, which occasionally interrupted or slowed construction activities.

Worker safety and health:
Although safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) were provided, much of the available PPE was not specifically designed for prolonged work in lake water. Some workers subsequently experienced skin irritation and reactions associated with extended periods in the water. The team responded by taking appropriate precautions and managing work schedules where possible.

Transportation of materials:
Transporting construction materials from the mainland to Ngamba Island was another significant challenge. The project required large cargo boats capable of carrying heavy construction materials and equipment. Such boats were not always readily available during the day. To avoid further delays, an available cargo boat transported some materials to the island at night.

Despite these challenges, the construction team remained committed to completing the work as quickly and safely as possible.

5. Project outcomes and impact

The support received through GlobalGiving enabled Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Chimpanzee Trust to respond to an urgent infrastructure challenge and restore the security of the affected areas.

Key outcomes:

Reconstruction of the damaged sections of the fence with stronger and more durable construction materials. This has helped the sanctuary maintain a secure environment for the rescued and orphaned chimpanzees under its care.

6. Conclusion and appreciation

The rebuilding of the High Security Enclosure fence and the main forest fence was a significant undertaking that required substantial financial resources, specialized skills, materials, equipment, and logistical coordination.

The successful completion of the work in a relatively short period would not have been possible without the generous support of people and organizations who recognize the importance of Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary’s conservation and animal welfare work.

We sincerely appreciate the GlobalGiving donors and supporters whose contributions enabled us to respond to this emergency and restore the fencing infrastructure necessary for the safety and welfare of the chimpanzees.

Their support has helped us continue providing the best possible care and protection for the rescued and orphaned chimpanzees at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

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