http://www.janegoodall.org/blogs/dr-goodalls-statement-abandoned-new-york-blood-center-chimps
Dr. Goodall's Statement on Abandoned New York Blood Center Chimps
I am extremely disappointed to learn that the New York Blood Center
has ignored requests by dozens of animal protection groups and
thousands of individuals to renew their support for the 66 chimpanzees
they have abandoned at the Vilab II sanctuary in Liberia. Instead, in a
recent statement, they deny all responsibility for the care of these
former research chimpanzees, stating that they are owned by the Liberian
government. This seems irrelevant since NYBC was responsible for
funding the acquisition of these chimpanzees, some of whom were taken
from the wild after shooting their mothers. NYBC then profited from
their use in their vaccine research, yet instead of accepting their
responsibility for them, NYBC claims that their support of the
chimpanzees has always been voluntary and that they have no obligation
to them. Rather than enter into a dialogue with the wide and committed
chimpanzee welfare and conservation community to find a long term
solution for their care, NYBC simply decided to cut off all funding.
Chimpanzees are an incredibly intelligent, social species and they
are endangered across their entire range in Africa. How ironic that
while worldwide support for ending the exploitation of chimpanzees in
research and other forms of human gain, and efforts to protect their
populations in the wild are increasing, New York Blood Center has simply
cast these poor individuals aside.
Since I published an open letter to the New York Blood Center on
May 29, they have taken no new measures to ensure the survival of these
chimpanzees who live trapped on islands without any source of fresh
water or food. Thus they are forced to rely on human caretakers to
provide for their basic needs. When this drastic situation became known,
The Humane Society of the United States, supported by a coalition of
more than 30 animal protection groups and individuals (including the
Jane Goodall Institute), stepped in to provide care for the abandoned
chimpanzees who would otherwise, almost certainly, have died of
dehydration and starvation after NYBC pulled out in March.
But although this coalition has raised temporary funds to address
the immediate crisis this cannot be relied upon to provide help forever.
Indeed, it should not be. I am urging New York Blood Center to renew
their support of these chimpanzees, and join those of us who are working
to secure long-term care and provide for their welfare in perpetuity.
Sincerely,
Jane Goodall, Ph.D., DBE
Founder, the Jane Goodall Institute &
UN Messenger of Peace
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the Jane Goodall Institute-USA Headquarters 1595 Spring Hill Road | Suite 550 | Vienna, VA 22182 Phone 703.682.9283 | Fax 703.682.9312 |
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