The Speaker of the Slovenian National Assembly, Urška Klakočar Zupančič has adopted an orphaned infant Chimpanzee at Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC).
This was during her courtesy visit to the centre in Entebbe Municipality on Tuesday afternoon. She was received by the State Minister for Tourism, Martin Mugarra and UWEC Executive Director, Dr James Musinguzi.
Zupančič baptised the 3-year-old female Chimp Urška, a name that means strength, power and resilience as a symbol for conserving and protecting the environment.
“We will keep on fighting so that we do not destroy this world, so that we preserve it for our children,” she stated.
Zupančič was awed by the Shoebill at the Centre.
Enthused over the sights at UWEC, Zupančič revealed that she will return to Uganda with her family during her autumn holiday in November.
“I am going to spend my holiday in Uganda with my two children because I want them to experience this and cherish this so that they build the right relationship with everything that is living in this world,” she noted.
The Speaker also lauded the efforts of the Tourism Ministry and UWEC in conserving wildlife and the environment.
Dr. Musinguzi (R) welcomes the Slovenian Speaker and her entourage to UWEC on Tuesday.
“I want to thank you for promoting the preservation of wildlife and the environment in Africa, what you’re doing is very important for our children and grandchildren so they will be able to enjoy the wildlife that you have,” she remarked.
“I’m very sad to see magnificent species such as the rhinoceros and apes going to extinction” she added
Zupančič donated €300 (UGX 1,200,000) to support animal welfare at the centre and pledged to make monthly contributions towards the same.
Zupančič pets a Rhino at the Centre.
Dr Musinguzi revealed that UWEC has developed a relationship with the Speaker and Slovenia. The newly formed relationship is expected to promote wildlife and environment conservation.
“Our zoo will partner with the zoo in Slovenia to see how we can be able to exchange staff, exchange animals as a way of improving genetic diversity and as capacity building for our staff,” he said.
Zupančič (C) flanked by Zombo Woman MP, Esther Afoyochan and Minister Martin Mugarra.
Minister Mugarra asked the Slovenian Speaker to be an ambassador for UWEC and Uganda’s Tourism to the European Union noting the beautiful tourist attractions such as the River Nile, Murchison falls and national parks.
About UWEC
UWEC which is formerly known as Entebbe Zoo is home to over 300 plant and animal species, with exhibits that give a sneak peek into Uganda’s national wildlife parks.
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