The world-famous Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone has reopened after a five-month closure protesting deforestation. The sanctuary’s return to operation follows a commitment from the Sierra Leone government to address threats to its existence.

• The sanctuary was closed from May 26 to November 1.
• Bala Amarasekaran, founder and director, stated the closure was "an act of protection and a stand against illegal land-grabbing."
• The Western Area Peninsula National Park, where the sanctuary is located, has lost or severely damaged 5,600 hectares of forest since 2012.
• Tacugama is home to over 120 primates, including the critically endangered Western chimpanzee.