Dear NIH Lab Director/University President:
The most recent information made available from [facility] indicates that it holds chimpanzees born in the 1950s. Many of these individuals have been used in research protocols or for breeding purposes for decades. They deserve release into permanent sanctuary before they die. These chimpanzees have little time left.
We urgently request that you exercise your power to secure the transfer of these individuals immediately into permanent sanctuary where they may enjoy a life of sun and space and a chimpanzee family with the relative freedom they so deserve after so many years of research and/or breeding. Project R&R partners with several highly reputable sanctuaries who have indicated their ability to accept these individuals immediately.
The Chimpanzee Elders (and labs where held)
Wenka - age 52 (Yerkes)
Cheeta - age 49 (Yerkes)
Flo - age 49 (Alamogordo)
Lulu - age 49 (Yerkes)
Maxine - age 49 (Yerkes)
Karen - age 48 (New Iberia)
Guy - age 47 (Alamogordo)
Billy Ray - age 47 (New Iberia)
Clay - age 46 (New Iberia)
Diana - age 46 (New Iberia)
Jan - age 46 (New Iberia)
Julius - age 46 (New Iberia)
Lady Bird - age 46 (New Iberia)
Martha - age 46 (Yerkes)
Mary - age 46 (Yerkes)
Pumpkin - age 46 (New Iberia)
Sandy - age 46 (New Iberia)
Walter B. - age 46 (New Iberia)
Given the importance of chimpanzee social bonding, we also request that each individual be sent along with at least one other chimpanzee cage mate or friend. Chimpanzees form powerful bonds. It is essential that these relationships be respected and appreciated as critical to the individuals' well being. Disrupting family bonds and friendships is a hardship many have endured for years. The elders must not have to pay for their release with the loss of one more relative or friend.
A recent independent public opinion survey commissioned by Project R&R found that 71% of Americans support the release of chimpanzees who have spent longer than 10 years in a laboratory. These chimpanzee individuals have far surpassed that mark.
Sincerely,
Project R&R and its supporters:
Signed by:
[Your name]
[Your address]
