New England Anti-vivisection Society (NEAVS)

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A Special Chimpanzee and A Special Sanctuary

NEAVS 'Adoptee'
Dana (above) was wild-caught in Africa as an infant. Her mother was killed, and she was forced to spend her entire life in U.S. military labs.

A portion of NEAVS’ annual contributions to the CCCC sanctuary is earmarked to help Dana.

Make a donation for Dana's care

CCCC's Self-Appointed Staff Member
Ester (above), who found her way to the sanctuary, takes her job of watching over and entertaining all her primate friends very seriously. Ever vigilant, she has made herself an important member of the CCCC team.

(Winter 2002) — In our Fall 2001 UPDATE, you learned about 21 former "space chimpanzees" and their descendants who now have a secure and comfortable sanctuary at Dr. Carole Noon’s Center for Captive Chimpanzee Care in Florida. These chimpanzees are finally free from the horrors and crushing boredom of research labs.

The Center is just one of the many outstanding projects NEAVS supports, and NEAVS President Dr. Theodora Capaldo was on hand when it was dedicated in October 2001. The sanctuary consists of both indoor and enclosures and a large outdoor island with "trees" made of telephone poles on which to climb, and ropes from which to swing.

No longer forced to live behind bars, the chimps now can spend their days in fresh air, sunlight and green grass.

The spacious hurricane-secure, indoor enclosures allow the chimpanzees their choice of being alone or with others. They have colorful hammocks to rest in, and the floors of the enclosures are covered with palm tree fronds, flowers, and other exciting and varied natural materials with which they can build their night nests, nibble or play.

The dinner bell is rung before every meal, Capaldo said, so when the chimpanzees are out on the island, they know to come in because lunch or dinner is being served. Dr. Noon, the Executive Director, personally wakes everyone every morning before serving them breakfast.

"The staff are dedicated and sensitive to the fact that they are caring for intelligent, emotional and extremely wonderful individuals," said Capaldo. In addition to the hard work of chopping huge quantities of fruits and vegetables, keeping enclosures clean, and tending to veterinary needs, is the joy of being a part of the lives of 21 special individuals.

The caring relationships that are developing among the chimpanzees and staff enrich each other’s lives. A particularly interesting self-appointed staff member, Ester, who found her way to the sanctuary, takes her job of watching over and entertaining all her primate friends very seriously. Ever vigilant, she has made herself an important member of the CCCC team.

Contributions from NEAVS’ many friends and supporters will help ensure that the sanctuary continues to flourish and that, in time, even more former research captives will be helped, Capaldo pointed out. "A portion of NEAVS’ annual contributions to the sanctuary is earmarked to help our special "adoptee," a female chimpanzee named Dana.

Dana was wild-caught in Africa as an infant. Her mother was killed, and she was forced to spend her entire life in U.S. military labs. Now, at last, because of Dr. Noon and the help of friends everywhere and NEAVS supporters, she is able to enjoy life. The CCCC staff describes her as one of the wisest and kindest chimpanzees there.

"Knowing that Dana and all the chimpanzees at the CCCC are finally safe reinspires our struggle to help all animals abused, exploited and killed by the vivisection industry," said Capaldo.

YOU Can Help

If you would like to help NEAVS fulfill our commitment to provide for Dana’s lifetime care, please let us know. Earmark your tax-deductible contribution for "Dana’s Care" and send it to:

NEAVS, 333 Washington St., Ste. 850, Boston, MA 02108

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