Chimpanzees once used for vaccine research get health checks as part of long-term care

A group of chimpanzees, previously utilized in laboratory hepatitis B vaccine research, has been undergoing health assessments at their new sanctuary in Liberia. The objective is to provide these animals a better quality of life and potentially a second chance at a normal existence. Director Liliana Pacheco Ricote of the sanctuary spoke about the health examinations, which include teeth cleaning, X-rays, pedicures, and more.

Over 400 of these chimpanzees were involved in the hepatitis B vaccine experiments conducted by American researchers in Liberia from the 1970s to the early 2000s, many of which were captured as infants. Liberia ranks second in West Africa in terms of chimpanzee population, with Guinea being the only other country with a higher count.

The chimps are categorized as critically endangered due to their rapidly dwindling numbers. The sanctuary's veterinarian, Belen Perez Hernando, emphasized the importance of these health checks in monitoring the chimps' long-term health, identifying early signs of disease, and devising appropriate care plans. Dr. Mark Ofua, a veterinarian and conservation representative for West Africa, highlighted the broader issues faced by animals subjected to research, such as confinement, social disruption, and lasting physical and psychological harm.

He called for stricter regulations on animals used in experimental research. However, the full extent of the impact on the West African chimpanzees, whose average age is between 30 and 35, remains unknown as the assessment results have not been finalized. Nonetheless, Ricote expressed satisfaction in offering these chimps a dignified and improved life after their painful experiences during the research.