Rajiv’s Legacy lives on as Ngamba Sanctuary names Chimpanzee ‘RR’, family donates Shs50m for conservation

Kampala, Uganda: The legacy of the late businessman and philanthropist Rajiv Ruparelia was honoured on Saturday after a baby chimpanzee at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary was officially named after him, as the wealthy Ruparelia family donated Shs50 million to support wildlife conservation efforts.

The emotional 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 male chimpanzee, born on November 29, 2025, was officially named “RR”, a tribute to Rajiv Ruparelia’s passion for wildlife conservation, environmental stewardship and community service.

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 partnership with Ngamba Island spans many years and is rooted in a shared commitment to conservation, environmental protection and community development.

Through the Ruparelia Foundation, established in 2012, the family has supported numerous initiatives in education, healthcare, sports, culture, environmental conservation and wildlife protection across Uganda.

As part of the event, Dr. Ruparelia announced a Shs50 million donation towards the protection, welfare and rehabilitation of chimpanzees at the sanctuary. “True development must include care for people, care for communities, and care for nature,” he said.

The family highlighted Rajiv’s active involvement in wildlife conservation initiatives, including support for both Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

One of the memorable moments in his conservation journey came when a young rhino at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was named Rae Ruparelia after his daughter, symbolising continuity, responsibility and hope for future generations.

According to Dr. Ruparelia, naming the chimpanzee RR serves as a lasting tribute to Rajiv’s legacy of compassion, generosity and social responsibility.

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

Chimpanzees at the sanctuary are rescued from difficult circumstances including illegal wildlife trafficking, habitat destruction and human-wildlife conflict. The facility provides them with a safe environment, specialised veterinary care and opportunities for rehabilitation.

“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 sanctuary’s broader role in chimpanzee rescue, conservation education, research and advocacy.

The Ruparelia family reaffirmed its commitment to supporting wildlife conservation initiatives through the Ruparelia Foundation and paid tribute to the sanctuary’s founders, veterinarians, caretakers, staff, donors, government agencies and conservation partners.

Dr. Ruparelia expressed hope that the occasion would inspire more Ugandans, families and corporate organisations to support conservation efforts and help preserve Uganda’s rich biodiversity.

For the conservation community and the Ruparelia family, 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.