Chimp Crazy Exposes the Truth: Why We Must Act Now
Most people find primates, particularly babies, undeniably cute. But what’s not cute is when these creatures are forced to live on human terms and in human environments, as depicted in HBO’s new docuseries Chimp Crazy.
As much as our culture has normalized the imagery of humans interacting with primates, it is anything but normal or natural. Primates, even those born in captivity, remain wild animals. There’s a common misconception that, like dogs or cats, primates can be domesticated and are therefore safe or appropriate to keep as pets.
However, this is far from the truth. Primates have not been domesticated, and they do not make good pets. Denying them a wild existence or the best possible science-based welfare in an accredited facility ignores this fact, ignores science, and disregards the compassion and care that all living beings deserve. These animals have an inherent right to live as free and natural a life as possible.
While Chimp Crazy brings the plight of chimpanzees into focus, it’s important to remember that these issues affect all primates. Whether chimpanzees, orangutans, or smaller species like macaques, all primates deserve the protection and respect that comes from recognizing their intrinsic wildness and complex needs.
The Dark Reality of Captive Primate Life
While the scenes and stories in Chimp Crazy may shock some, those of us who care for primates daily know these situations all too well. From private homes to roadside attractions to laboratories, from California to the Congo to China, primates have been exploited for human interest and gain for decades.
Whether born in poor captive conditions or stolen from the wild, these individuals are subjected to unnatural environments in every aspect of their lives—from their diet to their housing, to their enrichment, and their exposure to humans.
They are trafficked across borders—both state and international—and suffer unimaginably as they are torn from their families or their wild habitats. The way that chimpanzees have been used in various industries has also driven demand for illegal trafficking, further threatening wild populations. This exploitation is not limited to chimpanzees; it impacts all primates across the globe.
Dr. Jane Goodall’s Legacy of Primate Advocacy
From the earliest days of her career, Dr. Jane Goodall has fought for the welfare of chimpanzees, primates, and all animals. Hallmarks of Jane’s activism in the U.S. alone include being a significant force in the efforts to list chimpanzees under the Endangered Species Act in the early 1990s, expanding those protections in 2013, and advocating for the near-total ban on biomedical research on chimpanzees in 2015.
These achievements were no small feat and involved hundreds of hours of behind-the-scenes meetings, hearings, speeches, and interviews. Jane’s work involved growing visibility, building relationships, and forming important partnerships—all in the spirit of helping elected officials and the public understand our primate cousins and making practical improvements to their care and welfare.
Another testament to Jane’s pursuit of improving captive chimpanzee care is the creation of ChimpanZoo in 1984. This international research program of the Jane Goodall Institute assisted zoos in their efforts to improve conditions for captive chimpanzees and compare their conditions to that of chimps in the wild.
While her efforts have often focused on chimpanzees, Dr. Goodall’s dedication extends to all primates, recognizing that the well-being of every species is critical to preserving the balance of our ecosystems and upholding ethical standards for animal care.
The Jane Goodall Institute’s Impact on Wild Animal Welfare
As a testament to Jane Goodall’s vision to conserve and protect all species on our planet, the Jane Goodall Institute’s global network has long worked to champion best-in-class wildlife rehabilitation work through our sanctuaries, including Tchimpounga sanctuary in the Republic of the Congo.
The 156 chimpanzees and other species that call Tchimpounga home are largely orphaned by and rescued from the illegal wildlife trade and provided with dedicated, individualized care. This includes ongoing assessment of each chimpanzee’s welfare through our rigorous reporting system, the Chimpanzee Welfare Index, which was developed by Tchimpounga’s Head Veterinarian Dr. Rebeca Atencia and a team of experts. Based on the Great Ape Welfare Index, created by animal research ethicist Dr. Amanda Fernie, this comprehensive and standardized measurement of well-being has led to improved care for captive great apes and raised the standards on a global scale.
The Jane Goodall Institute also established Chimp Eden, the largest and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa, in 2006.
Take Action: Join Us in Protecting Primates
It’s rare to have a moment like this—a window into inappropriate primate care, as shown in Chimp Crazy, and an opportunity to do something about it. When you watch this series, we know you’ll be as convinced as we are that we must finish the work we started and put an end to private primate captivity. Despite all the progress we’ve made, there’s still so much work to do for the last remaining chimpanzees in private ownership, in roadside attractions, and in labs. We also need to help the thousands of other primates being kept in similar conditions.
“This new focus on the plight of chimpanzees used for entertainment and as ‘pets’ gives us the opportunity to throw a light on the way that chimpanzees are treated in some captive conditions. Chimpanzees (and other wild animals) should never be kept as pets or for entertainment. It is the demand for chimpanzees to be sold as pets or for inappropriate entertainment for tourists, that is fueling this trade — one of the main threats to these apes in some parts of Africa. Let us be thankful to the many people working today to properly care for and improve the lives of rescued chimpanzees in reputable sanctuaries and zoos.” – Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, ethologist and conservationist, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, and U.N. Messenger of Peace
The Captive Primate Safety Act is a piece of legislation that seeks to accomplish just this. It effectively bans the trafficking of primates and significantly limits private ownership.
“When we understand, we care. When we care, we act. Seeing the coalition of organizations and individuals stepping up to pass this legislation is a testament to the depth and breadth of the constituencies who care,” said Anna Rathmann, Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute USA. “It is an honor for the Jane Goodall Institute to be counted among them.”
We know you care, just like the rest of us, and there are many ways to act now:
- Sign the Letter: After watching Chimp Crazy, join the Jane Goodall Institute by signing our letter to Congress in support of the Captive Primate Safety Act.
- Share the Message: Spread the word by sharing this cause with your network.
- Report Concerns: If you see inappropriate content online or hear of a disreputable captive animal facility, say something. Check out the Jane Goodall Institute’s imagery guidelines for great apes to know how to spot red flags, and learn how to report harmful wildlife content.
As the saga of Chimp Crazy unfolds over its four episodes, will you help us write the next chapter for chimpanzees and all primates in captivity—a chapter of hope and healing? Stay tuned for more action opportunities and join us in making a difference.
