Jane Goodall stands up for Nepal's monkeys

[Guest guest]

Dr. Goodall says No to Nepalese Monkey Export to US labs

Endorses Stop Monkey Business Campaign in Kathmandu

 

November 6, 2007/ Kathmandu. Dr Jane Goodall, a world famous

primatologist and UN Messenger of Peace, in Kathmandu, Nepal,

endorsed the Stop Monkey Business Campaign, an initiative to end the

export of rhesus monkeys to US primate research centers. During her

Nepal visit, Dr Goodall, described as 'one of ten most influential

women ever', released 'There's some Monkey Business Going On Here', a

report by journalist duo Mangal Man Shakya and Lucia de Vries.

 

From left to right: Manoj Gautam (Roots and Shoots), Lucia de Vries

(Animal Nepal),

Dr. Jane Goodall and Mangal Man Shakya (Wildlife Watch Group)

 

" The export of monkeys to the US really is a terrible issue " , Dr

Goodall said, " I visited a number of primate centres where monkeys

are treated as objects. As if they don't feel pain and feelings and

if they don't have a brain, just like we humans do. "

 

During her visit Dr Goodall met with students, environmentalists,

social entrepreneurs, and educators. She visited different projects

implemented by Roots and Shoots, the youth based 'branches' of the

Jane Goodall Institute. On different occasions she drew attention to

the need to prevent the export of Nepali monkeys for use in research

laboratories in USA.

 

The Stop Monkey Business Campaign is a coalition of eight national

and international animal welfare organizations

(www.stopmonkeybusiness.org) who oppose the farming and export of

Nepalese rhesus monkeys to US primate centers. The campaign started

in 2003 when the Nepalese government issued the Wildlife Farming,

Breeding and Research Policy, opening the door for US primate centers

and other commercial ventures preying Nepal 's wildlife.

 

Jane Goodall said it was 'unethical' to capture innocent animals and

treat them in most 'inhumane' manner for drug testing, which is

carried out in the name of medical science.

 

At present, in Nepal, two centers funded by the Washington University

and Texas based Southwest Foundation are running such tests on

Nepalese monkeys.

 

John Fry, country manager of the British Council in Nepal, termed the

report as ' shocking' and ' a must read for all primate lovers'.

 

 

For more information please contact:

 

Mangal Man Shakya

Chairman

Wildlife Watch Group

www.citesnepal.org

 

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'Nepali monkeys best for HIV/AIDS study' [ 2007-11-6 ]

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, 4 Nov.: Dr. Jane Goodall, United Nations Messenger of

peace and founder of Roots and Shoots expected to draw attention on

the need to prevent the export of Nepali monkeys (Mcaques) for use in

research laboratories overseas. Dr. Goodall is delivering lectures at

the Patan museum Tuesday.

 

Mangal Man Shrestha, chairman of Wildlife Watch Group (WWG) Monday

said that the wildlife farming, breeding and research policy which

was passed in August 27,2003 by the government was faulty. " It

opened doors to US based laboratories and other commercial ventures

preying on Nepal's wildlife,? he said.

 

" We wouldn't have known about the hidden agenda behind taking the

blood samples of Macaques to the USA in 2003, if it wasn't for a

press statement issued by Washington University, that stated that the

Nepalese macaques were the best alternative for HIV/AIDS research,? he added.

 

Dr Goodall who first earned international recognition for her

pioneering work with chimpanzees in Tanzania. John Fry, British

Council country manager, in his press statement described her as one

of the most accomplished scientists of our age and is one of the very

best communicators about science, someone who inspires action from

people, especially the young.

 

" Nepal's monkeys are both sacred and beautiful creatures and they

should be allowed to live wild and free,? Dr. Goodall said.

 

http://www.gorkhapatra.org.np/content.php?nid=29827

 

 

Dr. Shirley McGreal, Founder

International Primate Protection League

PO Box 766

Summerville, SC 29484, USA

Phone - 843-871-2280, Fax- 843-871-7988

 

E-mail - smcgreal, Web: www.ippl.org

Working to Protect All Primates Since 1973

 

One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly

making exciting discoveries. ~ AA Milne