Update: May 16, 12:57
They are not stopping their efforts to save Nikki and Amadeus, a spokesperson for the Jane Goodall Institute’s (JGI), Chimp Eden, Ms Martina Nicholson, stated. They are making an appeal to the public to contribute toward a fund that could potentially save the animals. The “untrue and dishonest” messages circulating about the matter are not assisting in the effort, she added during a frank telephone discussion with Lowvelder today.
A point of contention in the whole case revolves around what will happen to the funds raised for these two male chimps, in the event that they are still euthanised. They can’t guarantee that the amount raised would be enough to keep Nikki and Amadeus alive, but this should not keep people from donating if they wish to assist, Nicholson said. Refunding money to individuals would be impossible, but all funds would still go toward the care for the animals at Chimp Eden.
Having said that, though, Nicholson is adamant that they will “fight” for these two, just like they had fought for Nikki’s life before. Discussion is underway with two sanctuaries in Africa that could possibly accommodate the two males.
“I also want to comment that the recent victim did not provoke the attack; he was outside the second surrounding fence at the time of the attack.” There has been speculation on social media about the circumstances surrounding the attack. The man, Mr Andrew Francis, was recently appointed by the sanctuary and holds two degrees, one in Zoology, and worked under the expert guidance of Mr Philip Cronjé, a recognised expert on primates, Nicholson added.
The ethics committee that had decided the chimpanzees are a threat to humans and needed to be put down consists of members of JGI, the NSPCA and the MTPA (Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency).
People who claim to want to help these animals should rather donate and not work against the plan, was Nicholson’s final appeal.
Donations may be made through Givengain at https://www.givengain.com/cause/4110/ Reference: Save Our Chimps
MBOMBELA – With only R15 000 raised so far, the future for chimpanzees Nikki and Amadeus looks grim.
These primates at the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), Chimp Eden are facing possible euthanasia after a second attack on a human within a two-year period. Despite a decision that the animals would be put down early in May, JGI South Africa announced on May 9 that it would look at the possibilities of keeping them alive.
One of the options would be to erect a more secure enclosure, but this would require an estimated US$260 000 (or R2,6 million). “We are fast running out of time,” JGI spokesperson, Ms Margi Brocklehurst said on Thursday morning. JGI has been approached by a possible local sponsor for fencing. According to Brocklehurst, JGI has advised a local fencing company about the specifications and that they would see if this could lead to a sponsorship.
There has been significant public outrage about the decision of an ethics committee regarding the fate of the chimpanzees.
This committee is made up of members of the JGI South Africa, Chimp Eden and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA).
Read about the attack here and the subsequent questions about the fate of the primates.
To donate:
Donations may be made through Givengain at https://www.givengain.com/cause/4110/ Reference: Save Our Chimps
