The hardships of laboratory life begin with confinement. No one tolerates it well when freedom, will, or choices are taken from them. Chimpanzees’ intelligence and feelings, and certainly their bodies, are continually assaulted by the conditions they must endure in research and labs.

When finally released from their laboratory prisons, chimpanzees meet their new found relative freedom with a complex range of reactions – testament to the uniqueness of each individual.

Some rush out to the fresh air, green grass, and sunshine or challenge their new surroundings with fist and hair raised high. Others walk tentatively into the open, looking for constant reassurance from an old or new friend nearby. Still others huddle against the building, unwilling to venture far from the familiarity of concrete.

However they meet these first days, with time the emotional wounds begin to heal, their spirit returns, their bodies strengthen and they begin the journey that they were deprived of years ago – the journey to being their selves.

You can purchase the award-winning PBS documentary, Chimpanzees: An Unnatural History, from our online store. The documentary explores chimpanzee use in research and visits three chimpanzee sanctuaries. Proceeds from your purchase benefit Project R&R’s campaign efforts.

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