By: Boy Fidel Leon
A chimpanzee that became internet famous for all the wrong reasons has been relocated to Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre after attacking a motorcycle passenger in a widely shared video.
Uganda Wildlife Authority, working with the Jane Goodall Institute, successfully darted and moved the adult male chimp on September 18. The operation involved veterinarians led by Dr. Nathan Mweru, who safely immobilised, examined, and transported the animal to UWEC in Entebbe for monitoring in a secure environment.
The video that sparked the relocation showed the chimpanzee displaying aggressive behaviour toward a boda boda passenger, highlighting the serious risks when wild animals venture into human settlements. While the footage may have entertained social media users, it represented a dangerous situation for both human and animal.
UWA Communications Manager Bashir Hangi emphasised the gravity of such encounters: “While chimpanzees share close genetic similarities with humans, they remain strong, unpredictable wild animals that can pose risks when they stray into human settlements.”
Chimpanzees are roughly five times stronger than humans and can cause severe injuries when they feel threatened or confused.
The viral video incident could have ended much worse than it did, for both the human victim and the chimpanzee, which might have faced lethal consequences if it had seriously injured someone.
The relocation demonstrates UWA’s balancing act: protecting human safety while preserving endangered wildlife. Close human-chimp interactions endanger lives and compromise the survival of these protected primates.
The incident highlights how social media can complicate wildlife management. While the video raised awareness about human-wildlife conflict, it also potentially encouraged risky behaviour amongst people hoping to capture their own viral content with wild animals.
UWA’s message is clear: “We urge the public to avoid approaching, feeding, or attempting to handle chimpanzees and other wild animals. Any sightings should be reported immediately to UWA for professional response.”
At UWEC, the chimpanzee will receive proper care in an environment designed for displaced wildlife. The facility serves as both a sanctuary and education centre, helping Ugandans understand their country’s biodiversity while providing homes for animals that can’t return to the wild.
The relocation keeps the chimp alive while protecting communities from future encounters. It’s a practical solution to a problem that’s likely to recur as development pressures increase on Uganda’s remaining forests.
For the internet users who shared the attack video, the chimpanzee’s story offers a lesson: what seems entertaining online often represents serious real-world problems requiring professional solutions.
The chimp is now safe, the community is protected, and Uganda’s conservation work continues, even if it doesn’t generate viral content.