The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre also known as UWEC was founded in 1994, to provide leadership in educating Ugandans about the benefits of conserving the country’s biodiversity. It is located along the shoreline in Entebbe and offers different activities to visitors.
UWEC undertakes several conservation initiatives in Uganda that wildlife rescuing and rehabilitating animals; fully fledged veterinary hospital services; and captive breeding of endangered species of the area. The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre also contributes to scientific research and is committed to develop education programmes for the general public, with particular emphasis on instilling a conversation ethic and engaging young people.
Internship and volunteer programmes run on and off-site for Ugandans and foreigners.
Below are some of the activities that visitors can participate in at UWEC
“Behind the Scenes” Tour for USD70 per person
With the behind the scenes tour, the visitors gets an opportunity to observe the animals’ behaviour and experience first-hand, learn how the keepers feed the lions, carry out health checks, or bring them back to their holding facilities. It also gives you a chance to visit the food preparation areas, the pharmacy, and the exhibits, among others.
Chimpanzee Close-Up at USD 290.00 per experience
The chimpanzee close up experience gives visitors a chance to embark on a highly moving and unique experience to come up close, have direct contact with these chimpanzees, most of which were rescued. One will join the younger chimpanzees for part of their daily exercise routine in a stretch of natural forest.
Chimpanzees are found only in the forests of Africa, and their habitat is slowly disappearing as human populations increase and encroach on the forests throughout the region. They are highly endangered species and Uganda’s chimpanzee population decreasing, mainly due to human actions.
UWEC believes that education is key to avoid extinction of Uganda’s chimpanzees, offering you the Watch with amazement as they interact, curious to explore their visitors. Always playful, they may cling to you, climb all over you, or even explore your face with their human-like hands. This is a rare and unique opportunity to bond with man’s closest relative, not only will this be an experience of a lifetime, but you will also learn about the dangers they face in the wild, whilst supporting UWEC’s ongoing conservation efforts.
For this activity, there are health terms and conditions. Below are the health requirements by Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in order for one to take park in this activity.
Keeper for a Day for USD 150 per person
With this activity, visitors get an opportunity to join the UWEC keepers in the kitchen to prepare the food, then jump on the tractor moving from one exhibit to another and help feed different animals that include giraffes, lions, rhinos, rare birds among others. You will get a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes as you attend keeper briefings, participate in recording of animal behaviour, or maybe even get the chance to perform health checks or help feed and rehabilitate a rescued animal.
Please NOTE that this activity is subject to special inoculation clearance.
Keeper’s Guided Tour for USD 40 per person
The keeper’s guided tour offers one an opportunity to be guided by a keeper of Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, to give you a tour filled with exciting insight of the animals. With him or her, you get to learn about the different animals and their little quirks. Learn about the full story of the orphaned chimpanzee, and find out just why it is so difficult to feed a 4-month-old baby elephant. In just a few hours, you will learn facts and stories that will stay with you for life, and come away with a new appreciation of the intricacies of conservation work.
Health Requirements for Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
The following vaccinations and health checks are mandatory for an individual to participate in the following; the Chimpanzee Close up Experience and Keeper for a Day program. The vaccinations required executed at least two weeks before participation in the programmes are;
Vaccination/ boosters – please note the times noted in brackets denote the length of validity of each vaccination and to it is important to ensure validity is checked for each one.
- Hepatitis A (20 years)
- Hepatitis B (5 years)
- Measles (MMR) (10 – 15 years)
- Meningococcal meningitis (ACWY strains) (3 years)
- Polio (10 years)
- Tetanus (10 years) vaccine
- Negative TB test or x ray is also required.
All the chimpanzees at UWEC undergo annual health checks and have been tested /vaccinated on the diseases possible and have also tested negative to the HIV and SIV virus. Please inform our personnel in event of cold or flu incidences in the last 48 hours as this could affect your interaction allowed with the animals.
Please note that some people will have some of these health requirements when traveling to Africa BUT generally not all and so it is vital to check your health records and act accordingly to avoid disappointment.
If you are interested in any of the above activities at Uganda Wildlife Education centre, inquire now
