-NAWA files Federal and State complaint on Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, (GFAS), facility.

“Project Chimps mission is to provide lifelong exemplary care to chimpanzees retired from research.”

“Project Chimps is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies solely on private donations. Now, more than ever, your recurring donation is needed to aide the chimps.”

"Projects Chimps", (USDA customer 334775, license 57-C-0350) is a facility that is supported and funded by the Humane Society of the United States, (HSUS), and also claims accreditation by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, (GFAS) , which is also owned/operated by the HSUS.

During the week of March 30, 2020, Ms. Crystal Alba, a long time veterinarian technician and experienced chimpanzee keeper with Project Chimps, became a whistle blower of numerous animal care violations, many of which have been documented as long time issues with this facility. (Attached)

Among the many documented violations, Ms. Alba has been tirelessly working for over a year to have these conditions addressed, such as:

- Smashed teeth on chimpanzees

- Improper wound care

- Ignoring sick/injured

- Poor diets

- Unsanitary living conditions

- Unqualified veterinarian responsible for 79 chimpanzees

- Chimps eating feces and smearing them on the wall due to lack of access to habitat.

- Improper treatment of a nasty wound that festered.

- Improper treatment of parasites; one chimp had 10 days of bloody diarrhea before receiving the correct

 medication.

We also point out a disturbing pattern with such facilities licensed by APHIS and also claiming accreditation with HSUS's alter-ego and "sanctuary" guise of GFAS. [See How Some U.S. Ape Sanctuaries Fail Their Animals and Staff], https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2018/02/wildlife-watch-apes-sanctuary-failing-animals/

"The Florida sanctuary was cited for 12 Animal Welfare Act violations over the past 5 years. 3 were critical violations for medical care."  https://www.tcpalm.com/in-depth/news/investigations/2020/03/11/ save-the-chimps-usda-animal-welfare-act-critical-violations-tiffany-tuffy/4455690002/

Proper housing and management of non-humane primate animal facilities are essential to animal well-being, to conduct the quality of their care and to the health and safety of personnel. A proper animal care management program provides the environment, housing, and care that permit such animals to grow, mature, and maintain good health; provides for their well-being; and minimizes variations that can affect the animal(s) care. Specific operating practices depend on many factors that are peculiar to individual facilities and situations. Well-trained and motivated personnel, such as Ms. Alba, can often help ensure high-quality animal care, as long as management properly acts on care concerns and situations.

As outlined by Ms. Alba these factors that should be considered and practiced in planning for adequate animal care management, appropriate physical and social environment, housing, space, and management are not being met at “Project Chimps”.  If fact, Ms. Alba has a long documented history when such concerns are reported to management, she, (and 11 other whistle blowers) have been met with extreme resistance, even to the fact of being threatened with retaliation if they voice their concerns publically.

Records also indicate that “Project Chimps” has also been cited for failure to allow inspectors to conduct routine inspections.  We request that USDA/APHIS/IES immediately conduct a detailed investigation into the animals being cared for under the facility known as “Project Chimps”as described in the foregoing.

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