It's a good day for retired chimpanzees.
Then again, I would think most days are good for retired chimps...at least, compared to when they lived in research laboratories!
Let me explain.
Earlier this year, the National Institutes of Health announced that it would no longer fund most research involving chimpanzees, and plans were put in motion to retire almost all of the 360 chimpanzees currently being used in research.
However, a ruling from years past had limited the amount of funding that could be allocated to support caring for the retired chimpanzees at their new home at Chimp Haven (a sanctuary in Louisiana that is the official retirement home of chimpanzees used in federally funded research, as per 2000's CHIMP Act.)
The funding was set to exceed the $30 million limit this month.
Thankfully, yesterday Congress approved a $9-12 million year granting of funds to pay for chimpanzee retirement. President Obama is expected to sign the bill shortly.
See? Chimpanzees care doesn't come cheap...I wish people who buy these animals as pets understood that!
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