Popularly known as Entebbe Zoo, the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) was opened in 1952 by the colonial government in Uganda. The center was created as a reception Centre for wild animals that were found as causalities.
A tour to UWEC is beyond just seeing animals but learning and participating in conservation efforts. UWEC helps rescue animals and veterinary staff and animal keepers are always on standby to attend to injured, sick, or stressed animals. Though this is their primary cause, they believe that attitude and behavioral change through creating awareness is rather a more sustainable approach to species survival.
The center is located in Entebbe just about 15 minutes from the airport which makes it convenient for short tours for tourists who safari Uganda for conferences and don’t have time to visit several national parks. UWEC is ideal for all age groups and very kid-friendly as children have a lot to see when they tour.
When injured and mals are brought to the center, they go through a physical examination by a veterinarian (animal doctor), nurse, and keepers. A series of observations are done and the stay of the individual animal depends on their health status. After they are done with rehabilitation they can be released into the wild.
UWEC plays a very import conservation role since it has the mandate to breed species that are at risk of extinction in the wild. Breeding is carefully managed to control numbers and to prevent inbreeding.
With the wildlife in the park, there are very engaging activities that both adults and children can undertake
Behind the scenes experiences: Behind the scenes, the experience is a two hours educative adventure that offers special inside look tours and interesting information about how the keepers take care of the animals and birds. During the behind the scenes experience, you have a close-up and personal encounter with the lions, elephants, and many more.
Children activities: Children can take part in day visits that are very friendly and educational. Children can also practice as a keeper for a day. This is a hands-on day program specifically designed for children aged 6-16 years old who are interested in working with animals and plants. This inspires responsible stewardship among young people. The Keeper for a day package includes food and a drink, playtime as well as a certificate.
Forest trail: For only adults, enjoy a one-kilometer natural forest with free-ranging birds, mammals, butterflies, chameleons among others. During the nature walk, learn about plants and their medicinal values with over 100 plants found in the area. The forest trail takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the tourist’s preference.
Chimpanzee closes up the experience: Chimpanzees are one of man’s closest relatives, and it’s great having a very close up experience with these primates. Subject to the provision of valid health proof, visitors can integrate with the chimpanzees. With the company of the keeper, tourists can take the chimpanzees on a walk.
You observe the chimps enjoy their lives on trees, learn and adapt living with other chimps in a forest-like environment. This experience helps newly rescued chimpanzees to build confidence and trust of other chimpanzees who in turn become their long term allies. The experience takes one hour in a controlled environment.
Each chimpanzee here has its history that the caregiver will explain to you with their behavior and challenges. Chimps are lively and enjoy being groomed and be ready to return this favor. Watch the chimps also hold their own cup of porridge, peeling a banana or asking for food.
School and community programs: Since the UWEC management believes that attitude and behavioral change through creating awareness is a more sustainable approach, there are several school and community programs to create awareness.
Schools can bring their students for a visit to UWEC to join the learning journey. The trained educators or guides take visitors through an engaging and thematic guided tour of the facility. They help identify the animal species both in English and local languages.
There are also unique learning sessions for all ages and abilities. Animal exhibits that mimic the animal’s natural environment equally make the learners even appreciate the key learning.
UWEC tours are very educational and affordable since the Centre is just located conveniently close to the airport and a few kilometers from the city Centre. Visit UWEC, on a short or long Uganda safari, and see the wildlife in the zoo. Other activities that can be done in the country on long visits include Uganda gorilla safaris, chimpanzee trekking, birding, and Uganda wildlife safaris.
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3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari is done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is located in southwestern Uganda a magnificent verdant swathe across the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley. This ancient rain-forest is one of the few in Africa to have flourished and home to half of the world’s endangered population of mountain gorillas.
Looking into the expressive brown eyes of these giants is surely the most exciting and poignant wildlife encounter Uganda has to offer! Apart from the gorilla trekking Tour, the park boasts of 90 mammal species, including 11 primates and prominent bird species. It is a treasure chest of flora and fauna with ten gorilla groups currently available to be visited by only eight persons per group on a daily basis. However, strict rules have to be followed to prevent behavioral disturbances and transmission of diseases.
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3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari Uganda Tour takes you for Uganda gorilla tour to Uganda gorilla safaris tour destination for gorilla trekking tours while on your Uganda safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable forest park.
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An encounter with an earth-shaking 350-pound silverback or baby gorilla is an unforgettable experience! view the long-horned Ankole cattle papyrus acacia woodlands and terraced landscape of Kigezi high lands on your way to Bwindi impenetrable national park.