Oldest Known Chimpanzee in U.S. Lab to Retire After Half Century
Campaign Learns of Imminent Release of 54-Year-Old Gwen
BOSTON, MA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 12, 2006 -- Ewire -- She has lived in a laboratory for over
a half century. Gwen, a 54-year-old chimpanzee -- believed to be the
oldest chimpanzee held for research in the U.S. -- is to be released into
sanctuary this month. She is scheduled to leave New Iberia Research Center
(NIRC), and be released to Chimp Haven, a partially federally funded
sanctuary in Louisiana. Little is publicly known about Gwen except her age
and ID number -- Ch 428.
News of her expected release came following an inquiry and appeal from
Project R&R: Release and Restitution for Chimpanzees in U.S. Laboratories,
which fostered inquiries from U.S. Senate offices to the National
Institutes of Health (NIH). It was also revealed that three other elder
chimpanzees have recently died, and that several are now considered "too
frail" to withstand transfer.
The CHIMP Act, signed into law in 2000, provides chimpanzees no longer
needed for research with retirement instead of euthanasia. Laboratories
decide who is eligible for retirement. However, the secretary of the
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) can recall "retired"
chimpanzees for research if certain criteria are met.
"Gwen's life in research behind concrete and steel for half a century is
tragic," says Theodora Capaldo, EdD, president of the New England
Anti-Vivisection Society (NEAVS), which is spearheading Project R&R. "Given
her age, she will not likely be called back to research and will now be
able to live what little time she has left in the comfort of sanctuary."
The request for the release of the 12 eldest chimpanzees in U.S.
laboratories was made public on September 5th when Project R&R leaders
visited Senate offices fueling interest and subsequent inquiries to NIH.
That same week certified letters* went to each of the three U.S.
laboratories where these chimpanzees are held. The letters were signed by
the advisory board of Project R&R, including Jane Goodall, PhD; Roger
Fouts, PhD; Gloria Grow; Carole Noon, PhD; and others.
*The certified letter sent to NIRC was unclaimed and returned to Project
R&R. All others were received. NIRC has the largest "holding" of captive
primates in the world and has been cited multiple times for non-compliance
with the Animal Welfare Act.