The Joy of Relative Freedom

The hardships of laboratory life begin with confinement. It is difficult for chimpanzees to tolerate their freedom, will, and choices being taken from them. Their intelligence and feelings, and bodies are continually assaulted by the conditions they must endure in research and labs.

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

Some rush out to the fresh air, green grass, and sunshine and challenge their new surroundings with a fist raised high. Others walk tentatively into the open, looking for constant reassurance from friends 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 embark on the journey that they were deprived of years ago – the journey to being themselves.