Colombian researcher died from elephant attack in Kibale National Park, Uganda

The Uganda Wildlife Authority reported in a statement on April 10 about the death of Colombian researcher Sebastián Amaya Ramírez, who was studying chimpanzees Ngogo. Apparently after having an unexpected encounter with an elephant.

“We regret the passing of Sebastián Ramírez, a graduate, colleague and friend. We extend to the entire community the invitation to the farewell tribute that will take place tomorrow (April 12) at 4 p.m. at the house la clandestina, calle 60 #18 -49. They can carry photos, flowers and candles,” said the Department of Biological Sciences of the Universidad de los Andes on Twitter.

In addition, the Wildlife Authority indicated that “this unfortunate incident is very regrettable. We haven't witnessed an incident like this in the last 50 years in Kibale National Park.”

As is known, Amaya Ramírez was with her research assistant at the Ngogo Research Station, carrying out her routine activities inside the park, then a lone elephant rammed them, forcing them to flee in different directions. The elephant followed Sebastian and trampled on him, causing him to die.

In 2013, the Colombian researcher graduated as a biologist at the Universidad de los Andes, where he presented a thesis on the behavior of spider monkeys (Ateles hybridus), in the Middle Magdalena. In 2017 he finished his doctorate at the U. of Arizona.

Information from the University of Arizona indicates that Amaya Ramirez studied the behavior and ecology of nonhuman primates, specifically those living in “high-degree fission-fusion societies.”

He also conducted studies of Ngogo chimpanzees in Uganda and two spider monkey communities in Colombia and Ecuador. “My dissertation aims to elucidate the nature of the social interactions of male-female chimpanzees and their implications for future reproduction,” Amaya Ramírez said in the institution's biography.

It is noteworthy that Kibale National Park is one of the most popular protected areas in Uganda, in Africa. It is 321 square kilometers long and has become a special place to observe a good variety of primates and birds. There are from baboons and chimpanzees, to 370 species of birds, 23 of them endemic. There are also elephants and antelopes.

At this place, the most popular activity is Kanyanchu Primate Walk. Thirteen species can be searched, and a good variety of diurnal monkeys are found, but the stars are the chimpanzees of Kanyanchu that have been traced since 1993 and the chances of locating them are excellent. Guided walks start at 8 am and 2 pm and last an average of three hours, depending on several factors.

Kanyanchu groups are accustomed to human presence - some have been observed for more than 25 years - and the probability of locating them is over 90%.

“The rides depart from the Kanyanchu Visitor Center at 08:00, 11:00 and 14:00 and last between 2 and 5 hours. It is recommended to arrive early to allow registration and briefing. Contact time with chimpanzees is limited to one hour; group size is limited to six visitors; participants must be 16 years or older. Prior reservation is essential,” said the reservation.