A report recently released by a National Institute of Health council says that almost all of the 451 chimpanzees either owned or in the care of the NIH are at research institutions and should be permanently retired. In addition, they should be relocated to sanctuaries.
The report also includes required standards for the well-being of the chimpanzees. These include living in groups with a minimum of 7 chimpanzees, having space to climb, access to outdoors, having at least 1,000 square feet for each chimp, and being able to forage for food. As of now, no laboratories meet these standards.
Public comments for recommendations are open for 60 days; in March, the NIH director Dr. Francis S. Collins will decide which to implement. Please tell him to approve research chimp retirement and concentrate on the well-being of the chimpanzees.
Dear NIH Director Dr. Francis S. Collins,
An NIH council recently released a report approved by the NIH Council of Councils, saying that almost all of the 451 chimpanzees in care of or owned by the National Institutes of Health are at research facilities and should be permanently retired. They instead should be moved to sanctuaries.
The report also has required standards for the well-being of the chimpanzees. These include having space to climb, access to the outdoors, 1,000 square feet for each chimp (at a minimum), being able to forage for food, and having the chimpanzees living in at least groups of 7. No laboratories meet these standards.
In March, you will decide what to implement. Please approve research chimp retirement and focus on the well-being of the chimpanzees.
Thank you for your time.
