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Date Published: 14/10/2024

Spain's Great Apes Law aims to protect our primate cousins

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The new legislation will protect apes in Spain from cruel experimentation and exploitation

Spain's Great Apes Law aims to protect our primate cousins

For too long, great apes have been subjected to exploitation, experimentation and mistreatment. But a new law in Spain aims to change that. The Great Apes Law, driven by a growing public consensus, aims to protect these intelligent, sentient beings – our closest relatives in the animal kingdom - from exploitation and cruelty.

The scientific community has long recognised the evolutionary proximity between great apes and humans. We share a common ancestor, and our DNA is strikingly similar. In fact, we're so closely related that we're both part of the hominid family (Hominidae).

According to activists in Spain, it's time to acknowledge this kinship and afford great apes the protection they deserve.

The Great Apes Law is a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to guarantee the basic rights of these primates, including chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans and bonobos. These animals possess advanced cognitive abilities, self-awareness and the capacity for intentional decisions - traits that make them uniquely deserving of our respect and protection.

The law went through its first public consultation phase back in July, but it still has a long parliamentary process ahead before it’s passed.

Key provisions of the Great Apes Law

This landmark legislation tackles several critical areas, including:

Prohibiting cruel experimentation: No more will great apes be subjected to painful and unnecessary research. The law ensures that any experimentation or research must directly benefit the species.
Safe and humane living conditions: Only suitable environments and conservation purposes will be allowed for keeping great apes, putting an end to the exploitation of these animals in zoos and entertainment venues.
Banning commercial exploitation: Great apes will no longer be used in advertisements, exhibitions or other commercial activities that compromise their dignity.
Honouring international commitments: Spain will uphold its obligations to protect great apes, in line with international agreements like the Kinshasa Declaration and the Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP).
Sanctuary relocation: The Great Ape Project advocates for the gradual relocation of great apes to specialised sanctuaries, where they can thrive in conditions closer to their natural habitat.

Despite the progress in the draft bill, organisations such as the Jane Goodall Institute and other organisations point to areas where the law could be improved. Their proposals include a ban on transfers of great apes between zoos, as this often causes stress and separates families, and an end to captive breeding programmes, which critics say do not benefit the true conservation of the species.

In addition, they have pointed out that it is necessary to improve the adaptation conditions of apes currently living in zoos, allowing them to hide from the public and enjoy enriched enclosures that respect their well-being.

You might also like: New research reveals the panda originated in Spain

Images: Pixabay

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