Newborn Chimpanzee At Ngamba Island Named ‘RR’ In Tribute To Rajiv Ruparelia

By Frank Kamuntu

The legacy of the late Rajiv Ruparelia was celebrated in a unique and heartfelt tribute on Saturday as a baby chimpanzee at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary was officially named in his honour, recognizing his passion for wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and community service.

The special ceremony, held at the sanctuary on Lake Victoria, brought together 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.

The young chimpanzee, a male born on November 29, 2025, was officially named “RR”, a gesture intended to preserve and celebrate Rajiv Ruparelia’s enduring commitment to conservation and social impact.

Speaking on behalf of the family, businessman and philanthropist Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia described the occasion as both emotional and meaningful, saying it reflected the values that 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,” Dr. Ruparelia said.

He noted that the Ruparelia family’s relationship with Ngamba Island spans many years and is rooted in a shared commitment to conservation, environmental stewardship, and community development. Through the Ruparelia Foundation, established in 2012, the family has supported a wide range of initiatives in education, healthcare, sports, culture, environmental protection, and wildlife conservation.

Dr. Ruparelia emphasized that conservation extends beyond protecting animals and is ultimately about safeguarding Uganda’s natural heritage for future generations hence donating Ugx50m to this aid in the protection of these Chimpanzees.

“True development must include care for people, care for communities, and care for nature,” he said.

The family highlighted Rajiv’s active support for wildlife conservation efforts, including partnerships with both Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. One particularly meaningful moment for Rajiv was when a young rhino at Ziwa was named Rae Ruparelia, after his daughter a gesture that symbolized continuity, responsibility, and hope for future generations.

According to Dr. Ruparelia, the naming of the chimpanzee serves as a tribute not only to Rajiv’s memory but also to the values he embodied: kindness, generosity, compassion, and social responsibility.

Officials at the sanctuary said the ceremony also underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing wildlife conservation and protecting Uganda’s endangered primates.

Chimpanzees at Ngamba Island are rescued from challenging circumstances, including illegal wildlife trafficking, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict. The sanctuary provides them with a safe environment, specialized veterinary care, and an opportunity to thrive in dignity.

“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 event also highlighted the broader mission of the sanctuary, which continues to play a critical role in chimpanzee rescue, rehabilitation, conservation education, and advocacy in Uganda.

The Ruparelia family used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to supporting wildlife conservation initiatives through the Ruparelia Foundation. Dr. Ruparelia paid tribute to the sanctuary’s founders, caretakers, veterinarians, staff, donors, government agencies, and conservation partners whose dedication has helped protect Uganda’s rich biodiversity.

He expressed hope that the ceremony would inspire more Ugandans, families, and companies to support conservation efforts and contribute to preserving the country’s unique wildlife heritage.

The event concluded with a renewed call for collective action to protect Uganda’s natural ecosystems and ensure that future generations inherit a country where wildlife and nature continue to flourish.

For the conservation community and the Ruparelia family alike, the chimpanzee named RR now stands as a lasting symbol of Rajiv Ruparelia’s legacy one defined by service, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in society and the natural world.