Tacugama

Tacugama could not run without the dedication of the local staff on the ground. Previously you have heard a personal account from Mama Posseh, in charge of the quarantine area. We asked some questions to Tacugama’s longest serving staff members; Willie Tucker and Moses Kapia, of which we will post over the next few weeks.

Willie in 1996
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Moses in 1998
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Willie and Moses have been working with Tacugama for many years; Willie for 14 and Moses for 11 ½ years. Together they manage the local staff, monitor the chimpanzees and ensure smooth day to day running of the sanctuary. With their passion for wildlife they pass on their knowledge regarding the environment and chimpanzees to school groups and visitors.

Both Willie and Moses played a vital role in the survival of Tacugama during the civil unrest in Sierra Leone. They show great dedication to the chimps of Tacugama, and in preserving the environment of their home country.

Graduating from the College of Wildlife Management Mweka in Tanzania, Willie went on to work for the Wildlife Conservation Office and Outamba Kilimi National Park, and in 1995 was appointed as camp supervisor at the sanctuary.
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After working for the Wildlife Conservation Branch for 16 years Moses came to the sanctuary in 1998, rising to the rank of head of care staff.
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Please read below for Part I of the interview with Willie and Moses!

What do you like about working for Tacugama?
Moses: I like working for Tacugama because it gives me the chance as a wildlife officer to sensitize, educate and point out the facts as a way forward for the better provision of the flora and fauna of Sierra Leone.
Willie: One reason why I like working for Tacugama is that the sanctuary is a very good resource for myself to gain further knowledge. Nothing is ever too boring at Tacugama, every day I learn new things or ideas about our close relatives and visitors alike.

Dr Rosa trains Willie how to prepare a dart
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What is the favourite part of your job?
Moses: I don’t have a favourite part to my job. Dealing with the chimps, the staff and the public are all challenging issues and therefore I am always on my toes for improvement.
Willie: I enjoy the behavioural observation of the chimps, which involves knowing the names, individual personalities and characteristics, their likes and dislikes, who fits into which group, how and why. This part of the job is very interesting and also demanding because this can lead you to fully understanding the chimps and may also lead to research work.

Moses monitors the electric fences every day
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In the next update from Willie and Moses, you will find out what they think about chimpanzees and other projects at Tacugama.