African Sanctuary May 'Gift' Chimps To Substandard Chinese Zoo

by Patricia Collier

The Ugandan Wildlife Authority has announced plans to send several of its resident chimpanzees to the Changsha Zoological Garden as a "gift" to the Chinese government.

Despite the fact that chimpanzees are an endangered species in Uganda, chimps would be taken from either the Ngamba Island Sanctuary in Lake Victoria or the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) in Entebbe.

Animal advocacy groups worldwide are gravely concerned about the possible transfer of the chimps.

Many of the primates living at these centers were rescued as orphans after their parents were killed by poachers. Others were rescued from various abusive situations. All suffered physically and emotionally before being transferred to Uganda.

The two chimpanzees already living at Changsha live in small, cold, concrete cells and enjoy little stimulation other than caretakers and visitors who have been documented by various animal groups as being less than respectful to the animals.

"There are about 30 animals at the Lake Victoria sanctuary alone," said Daniel Turner, Zoo Check Coordinator for Born Free Foundation. "They were confiscated from those engaging in the illegal bushmeat trade. We at Born Free, and other groups, are doing what we can to stop the chimps from being sent to China."

For those wishing to add their voice to efforts to stop the exportation of the chimpanzees to China, letters or emails to the following person may help:

Uganda's Ambassador to the United States
Her Excellency Edith Grace Ssempala
5911 16th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20011
(ugembassy@aol.com)

© 2004 Animal News Center, Inc.