Save The Chimps

       After doing some research on the ideas that Professor Nash listed for us, this is one of the subjects that have always seemed to fascinate me.  I've read some horrific stories of how some of these animals have turned on their owners and some have unfortunately killed  their owners.  One of the stories that really struck me was the story of Travis, the chimpanzee, who had attacked his owner's friend for trying to coax him back into his living quarters after escaping.  Apparently, earlier in the day, Travis was given a does of Xanax, the anti-anxiety drug, because his owner claimed he was acting agitated.  When Travis escaped his living quarters, that is when the friend of the owner came to help.  Travis was so agitated that he charged the friend and left her badly mauled and in critical condition. 

      Although is it tragic after following the condition that Travis left the woman that he attacked, Travis should never have been a domesticated pet living in a house.  Chimpanzees are exotic animals who grow quickly and have special needs.  My opinion is, if there are chimpanzees who are pets, they should be kept in sanctuaries, when they can be cared for properly, and in an environment that they are naturally at peace with.  There is a large sanctuary located in Florida who cares for abandoned and abused chimpanzees.  Their mission is "provide sanctuary for chimpanzees rescued from research labs, entertainment and the pet trade".

      I truly feel that when humans house these exotic pets, they are setting themselves for tragedy.  Even if the owner is never attacked, an innocent animal is being neglected.

Works Cited

Save the Chimps. Save the Chimps Mission, n.d., Web. 6 Apr. 2011.