news 25 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ngamba Island Mourns "The Acrobat" Chimpanzee Asega
Asega, a 28-year-old male chimpanzee renowned for his acrobatic skills, has died at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Preliminary findings suggest blunt force trauma to the head, likely sustained during natural morning activity. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/-iconic-chimpanzee-asega-28-dies-at-ngamba-island-5509458
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is in mourning following the unexpected death of its resident chimpanzee, Asega. The 28-year-old male succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, with management attributing his death to blunt force trauma to the head.
Sanctuary officials reported that Asega was found unresponsive in the chimpanzee sleeping facility. Initial post-mortem results indicate that the incident likely occurred during the chimps’ typical morning routines on Thursday. A heavy downpour at approximately 6:30 AM preceded the incident, during which the male chimpanzees are known to engage in vigorous activity.
Asega was particularly famous for his exceptional agility and athletic prowess, earning him the nickname “the acrobat.” He was known for his spectacular swings from hanging tires, often incorporating somersaults. It is believed that Asega may have missed a step during these activities, leading to a fatal collision with the concrete floor.
Rescued from Arua in 1998, Asega was a dominant figure within the sanctuary. His remarkable ability to clear fences exceeding three meters in height even necessitated the construction of a specialized high-security enclosure for him and his close companion, Mawa, in 2023.
The Sanctuary Trust highlighted Asega’s significance, stating that his story serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing need for conservation efforts and the vital work undertaken by sanctuaries like Ngamba Island.
The loss is deeply felt, especially by Mawa, Asega’s close companion. “Asega’s death has shocked us because we are worried about how Mawa will survive without him. They were very close,” said Ms. Dorothy Basemera, Communications and Marketing Officer at the Chimpanzee Trust. Efforts will be made to help Mawa bond with other chimpanzees in the sanctuary to ease his adjustment.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, located on Lake Victoria, is dedicated to providing care for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees affected by illegal wildlife trade and other threats. It currently shelters 55 chimpanzees.