There’s a great op-ed in the New York Times today about the cost that comes with using chimpanzees in entertainment. Some of our residents here at CSNW are former “actors.†We know that Jamie and Burrito both had stints with animal trainers, and some of the others may have as well. I saw firsthand what Hollywood trainers do to make chimpanzees perform, and it’s a very sad life from start to finish. Only the lucky few make it to reputable sanctuaries. Please take a second to read the op-ed and send it around to your friends to spread the word. Together we can put an end to this practice. -Sarah
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
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Spain is getting ready to pass a law that prohibits the use of chimps (and other apes?) from any setting other than a zoo, and it looks like Austria is following suit and will bring all of Europe along. What can we do in the US. I know The Great Ape Protection Law is before the House of Representatives which would release the remaining chimps in Federal labs to sanctuary. How can we pass laws to stop captive breeding for the entertainment industry in each state? Is is possible to pass a Federal law? I don’t think so because of state’s rights in the Constitution. I would like your suggestions on how we can stop this disrespectful and cruel use of these noble giants. Man is the problem, not the solution, however. Do you think it is possible? I would imagine the world is watching us.
Great website. Thanks for all that you are doing, the dedication required, not to mention the funds, is staggering. I am in awe of all of you who dedicate your lives to this problem in our country and in many others.
We will absolutely do this, Sarah. Thanks for bringing this to everyone’s attention.
Thank you, Sarah, for the information. We need to get these messages out to more people. I read your paper under “very sad life” in this post and it just broke my heart!!! 🙁 I’m so glad there are people like you out there to let us know these things are going on. I want to help in any way I can to stop this kind of mistreatment. Do you know if those chimpanzees are still at that training compound? I just can’t believe that they can get away with those practices!! It makes me angry!!
Hi Audrey. Thanks for your kind words. I’m happy to say that 4 of the 5 I worked with at the compound have been rescued and are living great lives at reputable sanctuaries now. Sadly, Apollo died before we could rescue him. But he inspires me every day to do better for all chimpanzees!
I am so glad to hear that 4 of them were rescued from that terrible place. I only wish Apollo had been able to live out the rest of his life in peace in a sanctuary. Thank you.
This is so sad it made me cry for all those poor innocent animals in the hands of hitlers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!