Mangabeys saved, Yerkes thwarted

Associated Press
Researchers Abandon Monkey Experiments
By MIKE STOBBE , 10.23.2006, 08:35 PM

A research center has dropped a controversial proposal to conduct medical experiments on up to 100 endangered African monkeys that are natural carriers of a form of the AIDS virus but do not get sick from it.

The Yerkes National Primate Research Center sought to use sooty mangabey monkeys in a first-of-its kind agreement that required scientists to help conserve the species in the wild.

But Yerkes withdrew the proposal last month in a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which regulates use of endangered species. Government officials confirmed the decision Monday. Yerkes officials refused to discuss it.

The decision was celebrated by animal-protection groups that feared the Yerkes proposal might be the first of many applications seeking permission to harm endangered species in exchange for financial contributions to conservation programs.

"If the application had been approved, it would have established a dangerous precedent," said Tanya Sanerib, a Washington-based lawyer representing a coalition of animal-protection organizations.

Full article available at:

Researchers Abandon Monkey Experiments - Forbes.com

For backstory, see:

6/5: http://monkeymaven.blogspot.com/2006/06/research-center-applies-for-permit-to.html

6/23: http://monkeymaven.blogspot.com/2006/06/abc-news-goodall-others-oppose.html

7/16: http://monkeymaven.blogspot.com/2006/07/real-monkey-maven-speaks-out-about.html