Dover Chimpanzee Dies Due to Neglect From Primate Experts at Emory’s Yerkes Primate Center

Atlanta-The USDA has fined Emory University and the Yerkes Primate Center $1,375 for violations of the Animal Welfare Act due to the death of Dover Chimpanzee in 2004. According to the USDA, Emory was in violation of Sections 3.87 (c ) (i) (ii) and 3.87 (f) of the Act.

USDA inspection reports dated October 18, 2004 state the following:

“The type of transport enclosure utilized for transport of chimpanzees was inspected. The enclosure consists of a stainless steel box with solid flooring, roof, rear and sides. Ventilation openings are present only on the front of the enclosure. Upon review of circumstances surrounding death of chimpanzee “Dover”, it was noted that the ambient temperature of the transport vehicle with air conditioning functioning was 84 degrees Farenheit. Ambient temperatures for non-human primates in transit must remain below 85 degrees Farenheit. While the temperature on the inside of the primary enclosure at the time of transport is unknown, poor ventilation contributes to increasing temperatures within primary enclosures. Ventilatory openings present on one aspect of the enclosure do not meet minimum requirements for non-permanently affixed transport enclosures as described in (c ) (1) of this section.”

Animal records and documentation from Emory University and it’s Yerkes Primate Center are almost impossible to obtain. These records ARE impossible to obtain when directly requested from Emory or Yerkes as the University is private and is not required to release anything under the Georgia Open Records Act. This loophole has served the University well in shielding it from public scrutiny--despite the fact that millions of public tax dollars have been awarded to the school since it was established.

The health and well-being of Dover and countless others like him has not been protected by the Animal Welfare Act. In a recently released review of the APHIS division of USDA, the Office of Inspector General cited severe deficiencies within USDA’s APHIS and Animal Care divisions. The report can be found at: http://www.usda.gov/oig/webdocs/33002-03-SF.pdf This OIG review also documents fines and penalties are too low, sometimes inappropriately waived and in general, APHIS and Animal Care are doing an extremely poor job especially in the Eastern Division.

Humans and Chimpanzees share 99% of their DNA. Chimpanzees have the mental capacity of a 4-year-old human child. Chimpanzees can communicate using American Sign Language. More and more people everyday believe Chimpanzees should be given equal protection from experimental procedures as humans enjoy.

Review USDA inspection reports and letter to Primate Freedom Project with violations and penalty information

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