Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

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Chimpanzee biomedical research coming to an end?

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An independent committee of experts through the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released their report today regarding whether chimpanzees are necessary for biomedical and behavioral research. While they did not call for the immediate end to all research involving chimpanzees, they developed some very strict criteria for evaluating current and future scientific projects.

The committee was not tasked with the question of whether it was ethical to use chimpanzees in research, however they stated, “the committee feels strongly that any assessment of the necessity of using chimpanzees as an animal model raises ethical issues, and an analysis of necessity must take these ethical issues into account.”

The committee looked at all areas of current chimpanzee research receiving federal funds and concluded that, “most (emphasis added) current use of chimpanzees for biomedical research is unnecessary, based on the criteria established by the committee…”

As Dr. Pippin, a cardiologist and former animal researcher who was representing the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine said, the release of this study is a “watershed moment” for chimpanzees. Now it is up to the NIH to decide how to respond to this report from the committee they commissioned. Their response is expected shortly.

Read a good summary of the report here from NPR news. A more detailed article from the New York Times. And the full report here from the National Academies Press.

*Update – the NIH Director’s response is here. The Director of NIH says, “I have considered the report carefully and have decided to accept the IOM committee recommendations.”

What’s popular?

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Thanks to all who have made purchases through our special holiday gift store, for those who have bought CSNW merchandise in our online store and to new Chimpanzee Pals! The chimpanzees are supported by your donations and we appreciate your generosity!

No doubt you are wondering how your tastes compare to those of other supporters. Wonder no longer.

The most popular holiday gift store item is…..

Snuggle Up: Straw for the chimps to make a nice cozy nest

Jody nesting in straw

 

Runners up in the holiday store are:

Bananas for Burrito

Burrito eating a sandwich

and Night Bags for Negra

Negra with Night Bag

 

And the most current popular merchandise item is:

2012 Calendar

2012 Calendar cover page

With runner’s up: Burrito Pom Balm (but don’t forget to also check out the new Foxie Spearmint Balm)

Burrito Pom Balm

and Negra Pullover Hoodies
Sarah wearing Negra hoodie

And if you’re wondering who has the most Pals, well it’s Burrito with 24 current Pals. Shockingly, Jamie, the leader of the Cle Elum Seven, has the fewest Pals with 17.

There’s still time to sign up yourself or a loved one to the Chimpanzee Pal program and receive a treat of CSNW Chimp Brittle from Allison’s Gourmet. You can choose either $20 per month or $240 in one donation. Learn more on our Holiday Pal page.

Whether signing up to be a Pal or perusing the gift store or checking out our merchandise, we wish you Happy Holiday Shopping and Giving!

Infinity Scarf

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Volunteer Connie was telling Jackie and myself about these neat things called “infinity scarves.” They are made out of t-shirts and look pretty fashionable in my opinion. We thought the chimps might enjoy one so we decided to make one out of an old style CSNW shirt. Jackie and Connie took it into the chimp area to stretch it out and see if anyone was interested in playing. To everyone’s shock, Negra was interested in playing a game of tug-o-war. She does not play very often with caregivers, and definitely not for long periods of time. This game went on for infinity! What’s even more interesting is that Negra woke up on the wrong side of the nest today—she was a little grumpy all morning. I’m glad we were able to cheer her up!