Chimp bites off boy's buttocks.

A seven-year -old  boy is battling for his life at Kamwenge Health Center IV  after a chimpanzee bit  his buttocks in kibaale National Park on june 1.

The boy,identified as Paddy Ankunda,was attacked by the chimpanzee as he walked through the park in the afternoon with a friend. Amos Tukundane,13.

Tukundane said the chimpanzee attacked Ankunda from behind as they walked home in Kahungye parish.

The park,situated between Kabarole and Kamwenge districts,is home to several primates,including chimpanzees.

This latest incident comes hardly two weeks after asimilar incident in the neighbouring Kibale district when achimpanzee grabbed and took off with atwo-year old child. The boy was later rescued from the chimpanzee.

Ankunda's mother,Mary Katusiime,said she was shocked when she heard that her only son had been eaten by the chimpanzee.

She appealed to the Government to ensure that people neighbouring the protected areas are guarded from the beasts,which also eat their crops.

"We have avery big challenge because the animals attack and harm us" Katusiime said.

Edward Asalu,the warden in charge of the park,yesterday said they have not previously had any incident of a chimpanzee  attacking people.

He however,said:"some people enter the park illegally and the park authorities can not be held responsible when harmed by wiled animals.