The Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary was created in 2002 to rehabilitate chimpanzees that had been orphaned by illegal hunting for wildlife pet trade and on some occasions for bush meat. The center is home to over 92 chimpanzees and 108 monkeys of 13 different species of monkeys. The orphaned chimps or those rescued from illegal wildlife trade are usually from Virunga national park and Kahuzi-Biega national park. The center works in partnership with different organizations i.e. Coopera ( a Spanish NGO), the Ivan Carter Wildlife Conservation Alliance (ICWACA) and the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP).
The center is a great place for chimpanzee rehabilitation, local conservation education and outreach. Its location near Kahuzi-Biega national park gives it a more added advantage as it can tap into the gates going to the park. The incomes gained from visitors and donors go a long way in providing safety for chimpanzees in this centre and those in the wild especially with successful conservation education.
The monkey species at the center are; Olive Baboons, Yellow Baboon, Owl-faced Monkey, Blue Monkey, Back crested mangabey, Red-tailed monkey, Mona monkey, Grey-cheeked mangabey, Vervet monkey, Allen’s Swamp monkey, Brazza monkey.
