ENTEBBE, Uganda – The chimpanzee that achieved internet fame for its bold antics in Mubende has been safely captured and has a new home at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe.
The primate recently went viral after a video showed it startling passengers by aggressively slapping a person on a passing motorcycle along a road near the Kyampisi Forest. The bizarre and humorous encounter sparked widespread concern for both public safety and the animal’s well-being.
Officials from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) confirmed that the chimpanzee was a resident of the small Kyampisi Forest area. Following the incident, a team was deployed to safely capture the animal.
In a statement, UWA officials said, “The chimpanzee that recently appeared in a viral video slapping a passenger on a motorcycle in Mubende has been captured. According to UWA officials, it belonged to a small Kyampisi Forest and has now been relocated to Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.”
The relocation to UWEC, commonly known as Entebbe Zoo, is considered the best outcome. The facility provides a secure and naturalistic environment where the chimpanzee will receive proper care and nutrition and can socialize with other animals, away from human conflict.
“Welcome to UWEC, Entebbe,” a representative from the centre stated, confirming the new arrival.
The incident served as a reminder of the increasing encounters between wildlife and human populations. Authorities urge the public to maintain a safe distance from wild animals and to report such sightings to UWA to ensure the safety of both people and wildlife.
