Chimpanzees previously used in hepatitis B vaccine experiments are now receiving comprehensive health checks at a sanctuary in Liberia, aiming to provide them with a better quality of life.
The West African chimpanzees, many of whom were captured in the wild as infants, underwent various medical procedures including teeth cleaning and X-rays at the Humane World for Animals’ Second Chance Chimpanzee Refuge. Liliana Pacheco Ricote, director of the sanctuary, told The Associated Press that these examinations are crucial for assessing their long-term health and detecting any early signs of disease.
American researchers utilized over 400 chimpanzees in Liberia for hepatitis B vaccine experiments between the 1970s and the early 2000s. Following the conclusion of the research program, Humane World for Animals assumed permanent responsibility for 60 of the remaining chimpanzees in 2015. These animals now reside on a series of islands within the sanctuary.
The health checks, performed under anesthetic, included examinations of the dental, cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems, as well as blood tests. Booster vaccinations and nail trims were also administered. Plans are in place to extend these assessments to all remaining chimpanzees at the refuge.
Belen Perez Hernando, the sanctuary’s veterinarian, emphasized the importance of these checks for the well-being of chimpanzees who have endured significant experimental procedures and distress. While the full impact of the past experiments on the chimpanzees, who average 30 to 35 years old, is still being determined, Ricote noted that the pain from their past experiences can still be observed. The sanctuary aims to offer these animals a chance to live with dignity.