Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary

A Second Chance At Life : Giving Day For Apes 2025

Founded in 1993, our 250-acre sanctuary in northern Kenya is designed to replicate the natural habitat of chimpanzees, allowing them to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Every chimpanzee at Sweetwaters Sanctuary has a story. A story of being orphaned, rescued, or abused. But for the 29 individuals who call our sanctuary home, those stories no longer define them. Today, their story is one of healing, hope, and the chance to live a full life in a safe, loving environment.

This Giving Day for Apes, we invite you to look into the eyes of individuals like Max and Ali Kaka, who have found refuge and peace and invite you to witness the joy of chimpanzees who now have the freedom to play and explore in their 250-acre habitat.

Astra and MarieChippie

The work of rehabilitation is a continuous, day-by-day effort, led by heroes like our Head Caregiver, Stephen Mukundi. With over 26 years of unwavering commitment to these animals, Stephen and his team are responsible for the daily well-being of every single chimpanzee. From routine health checks to implementing vital safety measures—like the ones that kept our chimps healthy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic—their care is the foundation of our sanctuary.

The journey to recovery often involves complex medical needs. Our resident veterinarian, Dr. Florence Kang'ethe, is at the heart of their healing. She and her team provide everything from specialised nutrition plans for every age to managing serious conditions like heart disease and vision problems. For an orphaned chimp, Dr. Florence’s care is not just medical; it's the very love and attention they need to thrive.

Your support ensures that every one of our 29 rescued chimps receives the specialised, expert care they deserve. It empowers a team that is not only dedicated to the well-being of our chimpanzees but also responds to emergencies across the entire Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Rescued chimpanzee MaxRescued chimpanzee Tess

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Here's how your generosity can help:

• $6,000 could cover the cost of caring for one chimpanzee for an entire year.
• $300 could provide essential materials to maintain the fence to keep our chimpanzees safe. 
• $120 will provide one chimpanzee with nutritious food for a month. 
• $54 could buy essential cleaning equipment for a week, including soap and disinfectant.
• $16 could buy a bag of juicy oranges for one chimpanzee to enjoy.