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Since certain species are covertly exploited in laboratories for various
purposes, animals worldwide need better treatment. These creatures are kept
in poor circumstances and are not adequately cared for since they have been
held captive for so long.
One of the fortunate ones is Vanilla, a chimpanzee who finally had the
opportunity to view the sky in 2023 because to the efforts of several groups
trying to rescue these animals. He worked in a laboratory for approximately
three decades.
The chimpanzee, who was 29 years old when he was released, originated from
the Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Surgery in Primates, or LEMSIP,
in Tuxedo, New York, according to the New York Post.
According to reports, Vanilla was brought into the world in 1995 while
still being separated from her mother.
The chimpanzees at the New York facility were housed in wire-mesh cages,
which experts deemed harsh, and were subjected to some of the worst
circumstances possible.
They were kept in those cages so that excrement could be easily cleaned up
by personnel. Although it was practical for them, these animals were
compelled to eat and sleep above their excrement, which was a horrible
situation for them.
The facility where Vanilla came from was "horrible," according to Dan
Mathews, director of events and special initiatives for the animal sanctuary
Save the Chimps, where the animals were tested for hepatitis and HIV.
According to reports, scientists took biopsies and blood samples from the
animals, which exposed them to several illnesses. Mathews noted that it's
unclear whether Vanilla was one of the animals that had a disease.
Vanilla could be seen strolling out of a window and looking in wonder of
the sky in a video that was broadcast in June 2023 on Save the Chimp's
official Facebook page. She was initially apprehensive to leave the house,
but Dwight, a fellow chimpanzee, persuaded her. She continued to be in awe
of the sky as she went outside and gave him a great hug.
Later, Vanilla socialized with a huge family group of the same species,
lazed around the grass field, and even engaged in some playful interactions
with other animals at the refuge.
The monkey was joined at the shelter by her sister, Shake, who had
previously been brought there. On a three-acre island, kids now enjoy their
very own independence.
Dan Mathews explained to the New York Post why Vanilla's response was
humanlike by stating that there is 98.8% DNA similarity between humans and
chimpanzees.
The chimpanzee siblings required a very long time to achieve freedom, even
though they are currently under wonderful care. More than 100 chimpanzees
were moved once the LEMSIP was shut down.
The Wildlife Waystation in Los Angeles was Vanilla and Shake's initial
home, but it wasn't the best setting for them because it turned into a
"dumping ground" for unwanted animals. The space was reportedly as large as
a garage. Finally, to locate the siblings a suitable place to live out the
remainder of their lives, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
contacted North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance.
Vanilla can stay in this house for another 30 or 40 years, so she has a
bright future. She seemed overjoyed to finally have the closest thing to a
natural home and her own universe. She is accepting it," said Mathews.
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animals