Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

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Animals
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Location

PO BOX 469Freetown, **Please select a state (US/Canada only)** PO BOX 469Sierra Leone Sierra Leone

Website:

http://www.tacugama.com/

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Website:
http://www.tacugama.com/

Active Opportunities (1)

Principal Vet

Aug 1 - Oct 30 | Freetown, Sierra Leone

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary Job Announcement: Senior Manager of Animal Health & Welfare (Veterinarian) Location: Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary - Freetown, Sierra Leone Start date: August 2025 Application Deadline: Until filled Contract Length: 1 year (renewable) Overview Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary (TCS) was established in 1995 by the Government of Sierra Leone in partnership with conservationist Bala Amarasekaran and the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone. The sanctuary was created to rescue, rehabilitate, and care for orphaned, abandoned, and confiscated pet chimpanzees. Beyond sanctuary care, TCS plays a vital role in wildlife conservation through education, law enforcement, research, community engagement, advocacy, and ecotourism. TCS is currently seeking a full-time Senior Manager of Animal Health & Welfare (Veterinarian) to oversee the health and welfare of over 120 resident chimpanzees in alignment with the highest standards of care. Position Summary The Senior Manager of Animal Health & Welfare leads and coordinates the Veterinary and Animal Welfare Departments. Responsibilities include direct oversight of chimpanzee health, supervision of the animal care team, coordination of interns, volunteers, and researchers, and involvement in general sanctuary operations including infrastructure, staff management, and administrative duties. This position reports to the Operations Manager and Programme Director and liaises closely with the Head of Maintenance and Camp Supervisor. Key Responsibilities Veterinary and Animal Welfare Duties Daily health checks and medical rounds for chimpanzees. Diagnosing and treating health problems, administering medication, and performing necessary immobilizations. Implementation of disease prevention protocols and response to medical emergencies. Coordination of chimpanzee introductions and group integrations. Monitoring and treatment of newly rescued chimps in quarantine. Performing necropsies, pathology, and laboratory diagnostics per sanctuary protocols. Investigating disease cases and continuing long-term health studies. Managing chimpanzee diet, nutrition, and water quality. Oversight of enclosure maintenance and cleanliness. Supervising enrichment programs in collaboration with the Associate Veterinarian. Maintaining inventory of veterinary supplies and ensuring cleanliness of all medical and animal welfare areas. Keeping accurate and up-to-date medical and operational records, including the use for ZIMS software Updating veterinary standard operating procedures. Providing medical support to other species at the sanctuary as needed. Collaborating with past veterinarians and external partners on health-related issues. Management Duties Supervision of care staff, with support from the Camp Supervisor. Oversight of the Associate Veterinarian and daily staff task performance. Recruitment, coordination, and supervision of veterinary volunteers and researchers. Capacity building and training for animal care staff. Facilitating safety and emergency training for all staff and volunteers. Preparing monthly departmental reports. Reporting on care staff attendance, performance, and disciplinary actions. Representing the sanctuary in matters relating to chimpanzee health and welfare. Engaging with national and international partners to support veterinary development (donations, grants, medical workshops). Contributing to wider development initiatives of TCS across departments. Supporting TCS one health initiatives Professional Qualifications (Required) Degree in Veterinary Medicine from a recognized institution. At least 3 years of clinical experience, including use of diagnostic equipment (radiographs, ultrasound, blood analysers). Experience with surgeries, vaccinations, and health assessments. Minimum 1 year of experience working with wildlife. Prior work with primates or great apes, with solid understanding of primate medicine. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Demonstrated experience in team leadership and institutional management. Preferred Qualifications Advanced training or residency in zoo, wildlife, or exotic animal medicine. Background in pathology and necropsy techniques. Experience with ZIMS database and laboratory diagnostics. High emotional intelligence and collaborative mindset. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in challenging environments. Previous fieldwork or veterinary experience abroad, preferably in Africa. The Team 1 Senior Manager of Animal Health & Welfare 1 Associate Veterinarian 18 Animal Care Staff 123 Resident Chimpanzees Working Conditions One-year full-time contract, renewable based on performance. Three-month probationary period. Six-day work week; early mornings, evenings, and emergencies may require flexibility. Monthly stipend: $1,000 USD. Daily lunch provided (local African-style cuisine); breakfast and dinner not included. Shared vehicle available for staff use. Four weeks of vacation annually. Visa and return airfare covered upon successful completion of the first year. Candidate must provide their own health insurance. Place of Work Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is located approximately 30 minutes from Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, in West Africa. The sanctuary offers accommodation in a private house with bathroom, kitchen, and living area. How to Apply To apply, please send your CV (in PDF) and a cover letter in English, along with your earliest possible start date, to: info@tacugama.com Subject Line: SENIOR MANAGER OF ANIMAL HEALTH & WELFARE

Date Posted: Jun 5, 2025

Organization Information

Mission Statement

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary (TCS) is dedicated to the protection and conservation of endangered Western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes ssp. verus) and their habitat. TCS was established in 1995 to rehabilitate confiscated, orphaned and abandoned chimpanzees while enforcing the law to prevent further exploitation. TCS now cares for over 80 chimpanzees in several forested enclosures, has a well-equipped veterinary clinic, and is actively involved in educating the national and international community about chimpanzee conservation.

Description

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary operates dynamic volunteer, internship and research programs to national and international volunteers and students. Volunteers participate in all aspects of our work and the volunteer role is varied. Volunteer activities include: assisting with chimpanzee husbandry activities such as preparing food, cleaning enclosures and making enrichment (but no direct contact with chimps); assisting our community outreach team with education and reforestation activities; assisting our rangers on forest anti-poaching patrols; assisting with behavioural data collection and research; marketing and administration; and maintenance tasks. Students studying veterinary science, conservation biology, wildlife conservation, environmental science, zoology, education or a related degree will benefit from participating in our tailored internship programs. TCS also offers scientific research opportunities to national and international university students studying conservation biology, wildlife conservation, environmental science, veterinary science, education studies, communication or related degrees.

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