Principal Vet

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 the cleanliness of all medical and animal welfare areas.
• Keeping accurate and up-to-date medical and operational records, including the use of 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 the wider development initiatives of TCS across departments.
• Supporting TCS’s 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 a 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 a 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 are 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.