A baby chimpanzee at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary has been named “RR” in memory of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, recognizing his lasting contribution to wildlife conservation, environmental stewardship, and community development in Uganda.
The naming ceremony was held on Saturday at the sanctuary on Lake Victoria and attracted members of the Ruparelia family, conservation organizations, development partners, and representatives 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 given the name RR as a tribute to Rajiv Ruparelia’s commitment to protecting wildlife and supporting initiatives that positively impacted both people and the environment.
During the event, businessman and philanthropist Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia announced a donation of Shs50 million to help fund the care, rehabilitation, and welfare of the chimpanzees living at the sanctuary.
Addressing guests, Sudhir said the honour reflected the principles Rajiv embraced throughout his life, particularly his belief that those with opportunities have a responsibility to care for the vulnerable, whether within communities or the natural world.
He noted that conservation extends beyond protecting wildlife alone, emphasizing that preserving Uganda’s rich natural heritage is essential for future generations. According to him, sustainable development requires equal commitment to people, communities, and the environment.
Officials from the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary said the ceremony highlighted the importance of collaboration between conservation partners in safeguarding Uganda’s endangered primates. Many of the chimpanzees at the sanctuary have been rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking, habitat destruction, and conflicts between humans and wildlife before receiving specialized veterinary treatment and long-term care.
Sudhir also praised the sanctuary’s efforts, saying it provides rescued chimpanzees with safety, dignity, and a fresh opportunity to live in a protected environment after enduring difficult circumstances.
The Ruparelia family’s relationship with Ngamba Island stretches back several years through the work of the Ruparelia Foundation, which has supported initiatives in education, healthcare, sports, culture, environmental conservation, and wildlife protection across Uganda.
Family members also reflected on Rajiv Ruparelia’s passion for conservation, recalling his involvement with both Ngamba Island and the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. They remembered one particularly meaningful occasion when a young rhino was named after his daughter, Rae Ruparelia, symbolizing hope and the continuation of future generations.
According to the family, naming the chimpanzee RR is a lasting reminder of Rajiv’s compassion, generosity, kindness, and dedication to serving society.
They reaffirmed their commitment to continuing support for conservation initiatives through partnerships with wildlife organizations, while also recognizing the dedication of veterinarians, animal caretakers, conservation staff, and donors whose daily efforts sustain the sanctuary.
The ceremony concluded with renewed appeals for stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors to strengthen conservation efforts and ensure Uganda’s wildlife and natural ecosystems remain protected for generations to come.
For the Ruparelia family and Uganda’s conservation community, the chimpanzee named RR will serve as a living tribute to Rajiv Ruparelia’s enduring legacy of caring for both people and nature.
