The U.S. ends all research on chimpanzees
The decision was taken two and a half years after the agency approved new applications for research with apes since they are the closest animals to humans, with whom they share 98 % of genes. » As a result of these changes in recent years and a significant drop in demand for chimpanzees in biomedical research, it is clear that we have reached a turning point ,» said NIH Director Francis Collins in a statement. Last year the US Fish and Wildlife Services declared captive chimpanzees endangered.
Reuters
The National Institute of Health has withdrawn its controversial program that uses chimpanzees for biomedical research. The 50 specimens kept in captivity will be sent to a sanctuary.
The decision was taken two and a half years after the agency approved new applications for research with apes since they are the closest animals to humans, with whom they share 98 % of genes. » As a result of these changes in recent years and a significant drop in demand for chimpanzees in biomedical research, it is clear that we have reached a turning point ,» said NIH Director Francis Collins in a statement. Last year the US Fish and Wildlife Services declared captive chimpanzees endangered.
