Nature of Things: A New Beginning for Research Chimpanzees

Overview

• Chimpanzees, once used in medical research, are now being retired and moved to sanctuaries.
• US government is retiring research chimps recognizing their closeness to humans.

Chimp Haven

• Located in Louisiana, opened in 2005.
• Serves as a retirement home for research chimpanzees.
• Hosts 25 chimpanzees, each with unique personalities.
• NIH is in the process of retiring its lab chimps to Chimp Haven.
• Dr. Raven Jackson escorts chimps to their new home.

Transition to Sanctuary

• Chimpanzees spend two weeks in quarantine upon arrival.
• Transition from lab to open space is significant but still within captivity.
• Chimp Haven provides a social environment for chimps to interact and live in groups.

Historical Context

• In the past, chimps were used in entertainment and research due to their similarity to humans.
• Jane Goodall's research highlighted the emotional and intellectual capacities of chimpanzees.
• Her discoveries challenged the scientific establishment's view of chimps as mere study subjects.

Current Initiatives

• Ethicist Laurie Grune tracks the lives of chimps through "The Last 1000 Chimps" website.
• Focus on identifying and retiring chimps used in biomedical research in the US.

Behavioral Observations

• Chimps exhibit various behaviors such as tool use and social interactions.
• Transitioning to Chimp Haven allows chimps to exhibit natural behaviors.
• Challenges include adjusting to new environments and social dynamics.

Life at Chimp Haven

• Chimps receive a balanced diet and live in large family groups similar to the wild.
• Former research chimps learn essential skills and behaviors.
• Chimps have been infected with diseases like HIV and hepatitis in labs.
• Sanctuary avoids sedation trauma and focuses on positive reinforcement training.

Challenges and Care

• Keeping chimps mentally stimulated through enrichment activities like music and movies.
• Nutrition and foraging are key components of chimp enrichment.
• Importance of recognizing and accommodating individual personalities and past traumas.

Ethical Considerations

• Recognizing the individuality and emotional complexity of chimpanzees.
• Importance of providing a dignified retirement and acknowledging their contribution to research.

Future and Advocacy

• NIH plans to retire most but not all chimps, retaining some for research.
• Private companies also own chimps, with plans to retire by 2020.
• Designating captive chimps as endangered could accelerate retirement.

Conclusion

• The retirement of research chimps marks a significant shift in ethical considerations.
• Providing a sanctuary for these chimps is seen as a moral obligation.