As of yesterday, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) considers all chimpanzees as members of an endangered species, including captive chimpanzees in the United States. This marks a new day for chimpanzees!
In 1990, the USFWS declared wild chimpanzees endangered, but captive chimpanzees were listed as “threatened”, denying them the protections afforded by the Endangered Species Act. This so-called “split listing” has come to an end. Extending the endangered species designation to captive chimpanzees makes it highly unlikely that laboratories will continue to do medical experimentation upon chimpanzees. Also it will be more difficult to use chimpanzees in the entertainment industry and the pet trade.
Today there are nearly 1,000 captive chimpanzees that reside in non-sanctuary settings throughout the United States. This marks a “call-to-action” for Save the Chimps! In the days, weeks, months, and years ahead, we look forward to working collaboratively across all sectors and with all involved individuals and entities to accomplish the transfer of as many of these chimpanzees as possible to sanctuary.
As we celebrate this new day for chimpanzees, we recognize that it reaffirms and gives us renewed impetus for furthering our own mission – to provide permanent sanctuary for the lifelong care of chimpanzees rescued from research laboratories, the entertainment industry, and the pet trade.
We deeply appreciate the support of so many of you who have made our past efforts possible… and we look forward to your continued support as we pursue opportunities to provide many more chimpanzees with lifelong sanctuary at Save the Chimps. These are profound and exciting times!
Also read “Captive U.S. Chimpanzees Get New Status as Endangered Species” by the Arcus Foundation