Chimpanzees once used for vaccine research get health checks as part of long-term care
Summary
A group of chimpanzees that were used for hepatitis B vaccine testing in Liberia are now receiving health check-ups at a sanctuary. The sanctuary provides medical care and a safe home to improve their quality of life after years of research use.Key Facts
- Over 400 chimpanzees were used in vaccine tests by American researchers in Liberia from the 1970s to early 2000s.
- Many of these chimps were captured as babies from the wild.
- The chimpanzees are now living at the Humane World for Animals’ Second Chance Chimpanzee Refuge in central Liberia.
- The sanctuary offers health checks, including dental care, X-rays, blood tests, and vaccinations under anesthesia.
- The chimpanzees are critically endangered, with Liberia having the second-highest population in West Africa after Guinea.
- As of 2015, Humane World for Animals took permanent care of the remaining 60 chimpanzees from the research program.
- The health checks help identify any illnesses early and create care plans as the chimps age.
- The sanctuary staff acknowledge the pain the chimpanzees experienced during research and aim to give them a better life.
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