Here is another important activist project I got to know at the Boston Vegetarian Society's VegFest this past weekend:
Project R & R: Release and Restitution for Chimpanzees in U.S. Labs
(Their website: http://www.releasechimps.org/ )
The New England Anti-Vivisection Society (NEAVS) has a lot of information to teach us about something that we do not know goes on- or would rather not know, the use of sentient, emotionally complex, intelligent chimpanzees in scientifically unnecessary/questionable research in laboratories across the U.S.
- Did you know that the oldest chimp in captivity in a lab is 54 years old? (Her name is Gwen)
- Did you know that chimpanzees have been killed so their organs can be harvested for transplant to humans (and that none of these procedures has ever worked)?
- Did you know that chimpanzees have the same familial and social bonds as us (since we share over 99% of the same DNA) and can feel the same emotional and psychological trauma that humans do? And, did you know that toddler chimpanzees are used in cruel experiments subjecting them to abandonment and isolation leading to permanent trauma?
- Did you know that, unlike many animal rights issues, most Americans are in agreement that this sort of experimentation on Chimps and other great apes must end? This is a place where activism can really accomplish results.
Please visit the website, arm yourself with knowledge, and donate to the cause. And spread the word!
Contact
Project R&R: Release and Restitution for Chimpanzees in U.S. Laboratories
New England Anti-Vivisection Society (NEAVS)
333 Washington Street, Suite 850
Boston, MA 02108
333 Washington Street, Suite 850
Boston, MA 02108
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4 comments:
Thanks again for such important information, Bazu. This is truly heart breaking. I keep seeing scenes from that Matthew Broderick movie from the 80s, Project X. ((shudder!))
It's amazing to me what the medical establishment gets away with in the name of research. There is some kind of scary dissconnect going on when you can justify torturing animals in order to help humans. I just don't get the compartmentalization that goes on there.
Also wanted to say thanks for your comment on my blog today. I am in awe that you were able to write about the cruelty you learned more about at the Veg Fest. I hope I can channel my horror and disgust in such a productive manner too.
Those facts about chimpanzees are interesting. Makes me so sad for them. A long time ago, I saw an orangutan in a zoo. I found myself staring at her because she was so human-like, that it was spooky. I felt SO bad for her and will never forget her face! My group kept calling me to come with them, but I stayed for so long with that orangutan. :( I wanted to take her home with me!
The info you took in a VegFest must be overwhelming to you. I would be so disheartened and sickened. I'm happy you are blogging about this and sharing it with us and making a difference!
The disconnect that humans can engage in, to justify their actions is amazing. We use the same reason to validate primate testing that we use to disavow it:
We 'need' to test using primates because they are our closest genetic relative.
We shouldn't test on primates specifically because they are our closest genetic relative.
Your entry reminded me of an event that happened to me almost twenty years ago that was very pivotal in my thinking evolution. Think I will blog about it :-)
Thanks for posting that link. I had no idea the oldest chimp in held in lab captivity was 54. That is heart-breaking :(
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