If you haven't read this, it is a very important announcement (NIH to retire all research chimps)

[DainBramaged]

NIH To Retire Chimpanzees Used In Medical Research Labs Across U.S.


It's official: The National Institutes of Health plans to end most use of chimpanzees in government medical research, saying humans' closest relatives "deserve special respect."

The NIH announced Wednesday that it will retire about 310 government-owned chimpanzees from research over the next few years, and keep only 50 others essentially on retainer – available if needed for crucial medical studies that could be performed no other way.

"These amazing animals have taught us a great deal already," said NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins. He said the decision helps usher in "a compassionate era."

The NIH's decision was long expected, after the prestigious Institute of Medicine declared in 2011 that nearly all use of chimps for invasive medical research no longer can be justified. Much of the rest of the world already had ended such research with this species that is so like us.

Any future biomedical research funded by the NIH with chimps, government-owned or not, would be allowed only under strict conditions after review by a special advisory board. In five years, the NIH will reassess if even that group of 50 government-owned apes still is needed for science.

"This is an historic moment and major turning point for chimpanzees in laboratories, some who have been languishing in concrete housing for over 50 years," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "It is crucial now to ensure that the release of hundreds of chimpanzees to sanctuary becomes a reality."


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/26/nih-retire-chimps-medical-research-lab-us_n_3504542.html


And this is what it's like when they see the sky for the first time

[JustAnotherGen]

1. I can't see the embedded piece

But if anyone else can't see it - make sure you go to the link. And look at those eyes!

[DainBramaged]

2. I cross posted in pets, it's a good day in America today.

[JustAnotherGen]

8. Was able to see it at home tonight

I'm not crying Drain - sniff - my allergies are acting up.

[DainBramaged]

12. Yeah yeah me too.....

[dhill926]

3. fantastic news.....

very powerful video.....

[life long demo]

4. I have tears in my eyes.

This is good and right. With so many ups and downs this week, this is pure joy. Thanks for the information.

[Beaverhausen]

5. Chimp Haven may have room for them

http://www.chimphaven.org/

[DainBramaged]

6. That's where the video came from.

That's a lot of chimps. Human friendly, used to being fed and handled. Many many over 50.



They deserved better....a long tme ago

[DainBramaged]

7. For the night crew......

[zappaman]

9. Big REC and KICK!

And it's about fucking time!

[olddots]

10. thanks -made me cry

I think its now time to use the drug company bosses in their places. (maybe a bit too reactionary but jeez. )

[Raine]

11. TERRIFIC news ... THANKS for posting this! nt