Animals in Labs Article from All-Creatures.org



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Alamogordo chimps to be moved to sanctuary

From SpeciesUnite.com
November 2024

This victory has been a long time coming for these former research chimps, who have been illegally held at the Alamogordo Primate Facility, where they were once used as test subjects, for nearly a decade. Despite invasive testing on chimps ending in 2015, the NIH has resisted transferring them, as required by the Chimpanzee Health, Improvement, Maintenance, and Protection (CHIMP) Act. Even after a 2022 federal court ruling declared the NIH in violation of the law, they failed to act until now.

Chimp

We're thrilled to share some incredible news: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced that the 23 remaining Alamogordo chimpanzees will finally be sent to Chimp Haven, the sanctuary they deserve to call home!

This victory has been a long time coming for these former research chimps, who have been illegally held at the Alamogordo Primate Facility, where they were once used as test subjects, for nearly a decade. Despite invasive testing on chimps ending in 2015, the NIH has resisted transferring them, as required by the Chimpanzee Health, Improvement, Maintenance, and Protection (CHIMP) Act. Even after a 2022 federal court ruling declared the NIH in violation of the law, they failed to act until now.

The NIH's recent decision to transfer the chimps reportedly stems from unexpected staffing challenges that raised concerns about its ability to provide proper care. However, Gene Grant of Animal Protection New Mexico, a longtime advocate for these chimps, noted that pressure from their congressional delegation and awareness efforts by groups like Species Unite likely played a key role in achieving this long-overdue victory for these survivors of animal testing.

Chimp Haven is preparing to welcome the Alamogordo chimps by building additional facilities, with the first group expected to arrive early next year.

This amazing community came together to send nearly 13,000 letters to NIH Director Dr. Monica Bertagnolli, urging her to do the right thing. We are deeply moved to see our collective call for justice answered.

Thank you for raising your voice and being part of this victory. Because of your compassion, 23 senior chimps will finally experience freedom and safety for the first time.

Posted on All-Creatures.org: November 16, 2024
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