A baby chimpanzee at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary has been named “RR” in honor of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, recognizing his contributions to wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and community development.
The naming ceremony, held on Saturday at the sanctuary on Lake Victoria, was attended by members of the Ruparelia family, conservationists, development partners, and officials from the Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and the Jane Goodall Institute.
During the event, businessman and philanthropist Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia announced a donation of Shs50 million to support the protection and welfare of chimpanzees at the sanctuary.
The young male chimpanzee, born on November 29, 2025, was officially given the name “RR” as a lasting tribute to Rajiv Ruparelia’s commitment to conservation and social impact.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Ruparelia said the tribute reflected the values Rajiv championed throughout his life.
“Rajiv believed very strongly that those of us who have been blessed with opportunity also have a responsibility to protect the vulnerable, whether they are people, communities, or God’s creation,” he said.
Dr. Ruparelia noted that conservation is not only about protecting wildlife but also about preserving Uganda’s natural heritage for future generations.
“True development must include care for people, care for communities, and care for nature,” he added.
Officials at Ngamba Island said the ceremony highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing conservation efforts and protecting Uganda’s endangered primates.
Many of the chimpanzees at the sanctuary have been rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict. The sanctuary provides specialized veterinary care and a safe environment where the animals can recover and thrive.
“Many of the chimpanzees here have survived difficult circumstances. The work done at the sanctuary gives them safety, dignity and a second chance,” Dr. Ruparelia said.
The Ruparelia family’s relationship with Ngamba Island spans several years and is rooted in a shared commitment to environmental conservation and community development. Through the Ruparelia Foundation, established in 2012, the family has supported initiatives in education, healthcare, sports, culture, environmental protection, and wildlife conservation.
The family also highlighted Rajiv’s support for conservation projects at both Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. One of the milestones he treasured was the naming of a young rhino at Ziwa after his daughter, Rae Ruparelia, a gesture that symbolized continuity and hope for future generations.
According to Dr. Ruparelia, naming the chimpanzee RR is a tribute not only to Rajiv’s memory but also to the values he embodied, including kindness, generosity, compassion, and social responsibility.
The family used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to supporting wildlife conservation initiatives through the Ruparelia Foundation. Dr. Ruparelia also paid tribute to the sanctuary’s founders, veterinarians, caretakers, staff, donors, government agencies, and conservation partners for their role in protecting Uganda’s biodiversity.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed call for greater public and private sector support for conservation efforts to ensure Uganda’s wildlife and natural ecosystems continue to flourish for generations to come.
For the conservation community and the Ruparelia family, the chimpanzee named RR will serve as a lasting symbol of Rajiv Ruparelia’s legacy of service, compassion, and dedication to protecting both people and nature.
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