Uganda Wildlife Education Center
Uganda Wildlife Education Center;- Uganda Wildlife Education Centre commonly known as “Entebbe Zoo” opened its doors in the year 1952 as a welcome centre for wild animals that were found as victims; either injured, orphaned, sick, or seized from the illegal trade. In the 1960s it changed its role into a zoo and non-native species like bears and tigers were introduced and kept as attractions. In 1994, wildlife management was reorganized and the zoo turned into Uganda Wildlife Education Centre trust. The main purpose was to develop the zoo with an aim on conservation education.
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre is a home for animals away from home. It is playing a bigger role in safeguarding the sustainability of these animals through the breeding program of those animals that are yet to go extinct.
The center functions as a conservation education center, rehabilitation center for animals and a recreational center where people come to see a diversity of wild animals. The center contributes to scientific research and is dedicated to developing education programmes with an aim of instilling a conservation ethic to the general public
The center includes free ranging and caged animals, birds, and several species of trees and shrubs. Animals at Uganda Wildlife Education center include the rock python, leopards, cheetahs, lions, giraffes, tortoises, camels, chimpanzees, baby elephants and rhinos. Birds include ostriches, shoebill stork, and many other bird species.
Location of Uganda Wildlife Education Center
The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre commonly known as “Entebbe Zoo”, is located in Entebbe, Uganda, on the shores of Lake Victoria. Specifically, it’s located on Plot 56/57 Lugard Avenue. It’s a short 15-minute drive from Entebbe International Airport and approximately 36 kilometers from Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre’s location on the edge of Lake Victoria, its rich vegetation and its astonishingly wide range of birds, butterflies and other free and roaming animals make it an attractive venue for education and Uganda safari enthusiasts.
Activities to do at Uganda Wildlife Education Center
A visit to Uganda Wildlife Education Center involves several activities you can engage in to have fun as well as learn about the various forms of life in the zoo. Below are those activities at UWEC.
Behind the scenes tour
During this activity you get to see the animals up close and personal, get a chance to observe the animal’s behaviour and learn more about their patterns.
You can also take part in preparing food for the animals, watch them while they get fed, participate in health checks and bring them back to their shelters. This activity will give you a feel of their everyday life and an appreciation of what the Uganda wildlife education centre is all about.
Keeper for the day tour
This activity is a more of hands-on tour where you take part in feeding some of the animals. You have a chance to ride along with the UWEC keepers, have briefings, prepare the animal’s food and move from shelter to shelter feeding them and spending some quality time with them.
You also get a chance to ask all sorts of questions you have and hang around with the animals. You get the chance to become one of the zookeepers for a day.
Chimpanzee close up
During this activity, get up close with small chimpanzees as they make rounds in the early morning excited about the day, you play around with them and completely interact as much as you want. Uganda Wildlife Education Center emphasises awareness and conservation of endangered primate species like the chimpanzees.
This experience is very different from tracking the chimpanzees in the deep jungles of Kibale National Park but all are very rewarding. While you won’t play with the chimpanzee in the jungle, you will get to do it at Uganda wildlife education center.
Keepers guided tour
For a full-on educative tour, the keeper’s guided tour will give you lots of insights into the different animal’s origin stories and how they have since developed and understood their behaviours more.
The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre has rescued 543 animals since its opening and currently has 253 animals in care. Through the School programs initiatives, UWEC provides guided tours to school going children and imparting knowledge of animals at the center, internship placements, workshops and seminars for teachers and self-guided tours for older individuals who might be doing research.
If you are interested visiting Uganda wildlife education center, having any questions, making bookings, getting tour guides, and drafting itineraries, do not hesitate to inquire from our company we shall be happy to help.
