By Stephanie Edwards

The use of chimpanzees in research has been declining over the past decade, owing to a combination of factors: the high cost of maintaining chimpanzees, ethical concerns over experimenting on a species so closely related to humans, and failed attempts to use chimpanzees as research models for humans. Although nearly 1,200 chimpanzees still live in laboratories in the United States, many chimpanzees have been moved out of research laboratories and into sanctuaries. That has meant a lot of change for these long-lived (chimpanzees can live to age 60) and complex creatures.

In early 2006, chimpanzees moved from the now-defunct Coulston Foundation facility in New Mexico and from Ohio State University (OSU) to sanctuaries. The OSU move, which resulted in the death of a chimpanzee even before the transfer was completed, has generated considerable controversy. As the campaign to end biomedical research using chimpanzees gains momentum, the OSU incident serves to highlight potential stumbling blocks as ever more chimpanzees move into sanctuary facilities.

Transferred under Duress—and Stress

Nine chimpanzees from OSU were slated to move after the discontinuation of OSU's cognitive studies program, which used chimpanzees for more than 23 years and contributed much to the understanding of chimpanzee intelligence. The program was directed by Dr. Sally Boysen, who protested both the closing of the program and the choice of sanctuary facility. OSU officials have stated that "in recent years, research funding for primate research across the country has been shrinking and that university-based primate colonies are becoming harder to support." Following the initial controversy and a judge's rejection of a request to stop transfer of the chimpanzees, in March the nine chimps were sent from Columbus, Ohio, to a sanctuary in Texas—Primarily Primates.  

Animal advocates usually applaud the transfer of chimpanzees from laboratories to sanctuaries. But the unfortunate death of a chimpanzee named Kermit during the move from OSU emphasizes the fragility of these animals and the importance of paying special attention to how these animals are transported and released into their new environment. It is also important to ensure that the receiving sanctuary can provide adequate financial support and care for these creatures.

Kermit's death inflamed the controversy surrounding the move; the legality of the transfer is now being challenged on the basis of exotic and dangerous animal laws. Some believed that improper care during transport led to the death, while those involved with the transport have denied negligence. A necropsy report later revealed that Kermit's death was caused by a heart attack.

What the report did not address is the tranquilizers that Kermit was given for the trip. Dr. Michael Barrie, a veterinarian at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, points out that the stress of a move combined with tranquilizers could trigger a heart attack in anyone with a pre-existing heart condition. Whatever its cause, Kermit's death is a reminder of how important it is to take great care during transport, including consideration of the animals' pre-existing health condition.

Now for the Good News

A February 2006 move of 10 chimpanzees from the former Coulston Foundation research facility in New Mexico to a sanctuary in Florida went much more smoothly. In 2002, the Coulston operation lost government funding and subsequently closed after several Animal Welfare Act violations. Save the Chimps, a rescue organization based in Florida, purchased the Coulston land and facilities and took over the chimpanzees' care. Save the Chimps' sanctuary in Florida—dubbed "Islands in the Sun"—features a natural environment located on three islands where the chimps can live and socialize much as they would in the wild. The move of these 10 chimpanzees was the first phase in the plan to move all of the 266 former Coulston chimpanzees to the Florida sanctuary.

Sanctuary life for chimps should mimic their natural habitat and provide them with an enriched lifestyle free of research. Appropriate sanctuaries provide chimpanzees with the foods, activities, and environment that allow them to flourish as they would in the wild. However, chimpanzees can require some transitioning to sanctuary life, as they may not be completely ready for social life or life outdoors. Chimp Haven, a sanctuary in Louisiana that is part of the national chimpanzee sanctuary system, recently transitioned six chimpanzees from a quarter-acre enclosure into a four-acre wooded habitat.

Most chimpanzees at sanctuaries grow accustomed to their fellow chimps and go on to live safe, happy lives outside of their research cages. The Humane Society of the United States is currently campaigning to end the use of chimpanzees in biomedical research and looks forward to the day when all such chimpanzees are thriving in a sanctuary setting.   

What You Can Do

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Stephanie Edwards is the outreach coordinator for Animal Research Issues for The HSUS.

Updated Jan. 19, 2008