Animal rights groups have slammed Spanish police for shooting dead a chimpanzee that escaped from a zoo on the holiday island of Mallorca with another chimp, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Civil Guard police force launched a search for the chimps – named Adam and Eve – after they escaped from their cage.
Several hours later they found the female who was shot and killed by forest rangers.
The backlash from the public and animal welfare groups was immediate. However, police have argued they could not use tranquilizer bullets as they feared the chimp would attack, saying it takes about five minutes to have an effect, which could have given her time to attack.
The report quoted Javier Moreno of the Spanish animal rights group Igualdad Animal who said it was "a sad and unjust end to an even sadder life, lived behind bars".
Moreover, the Spanish primate protection group Proyecto Gran Simio have asked the authorities to shut down the zoo immediately, alleging "serious irresponsibility" in the keeping of the chimpanzees.
Police are reported to be investigating how the chimps escaped.
Eve the chimpanzee deserved better. Will you join me in urging the Spanish authorities to shut down the zoo – if it is found to be negligent - and for a thorough investigation into the shooting death of the Eve the chimpanzee?
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