The Tchimpounga center houses 142 other primates, mostly orphaned chimpanzees whose parents were killed due to the bushmeat trade, and former house pets. Claire Jones, a spokesperson for JGI, explained to Discovery News that often people bring home "cute and cuddly baby chimps, only to learn later that they grow to become strong and powerful beings that they cannot handle." Shirley McGreal, chairwoman of the International Primate Protection League, told Discovery News that many chimps and other primates continue to suffer at poorly run zoos, particularly in Africa and Asia. "They are fed cigarettes, given soft drink bottles and often live under deplorable conditions," McGreal said. "Keep in mind that zoos are more of a western concept often established by expatriates in countries where it's otherwise believed animals should exist in a more natural, free environment." Like Goodall, however, she hopes conservation groups will eventually be able to provide sanctuary and improve conditions for all animals. Two primates without such worries are Cheeta the chimp and Igor the gibbon. Cheeta, who famously starred in 12 Tarzan films, lives at the primate sanctuary Creative Habitats and Enrichment for Endangered and Threatened Apes in sunny Palm Springs. He is 75 now, and could very well be the oldest known chimp in the world. Igor, now under the care of McGreal and her staff, spent 26 years in research labs. He was so traumatized that when he used to see other gibbons, he would savagely mutilate himself. Like Gregoire, Igor recovered from his past. "One of his favorite things to do now is to watch Sesame Street on television," McGreal said. She added, "He would watch Animal Planet, but our sanctuary doesn't have cable." Related Links: |
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