Kennedy, Duckworth introduce bill to relocate federally-owned chimpanzees to Chimp Haven in Louisiana

Statement

Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) today introduced the Chimp Sanctuary Act to prohibit the housing of chimpanzees at any installation of the Department of the Air Force. The Chimp Sanctuary Act would ensure all chimps housed at Department of the Air Force installations are safely transported to Chimp Haven, a sanctuary for more than 300 chimps in Louisiana.

"The federal government is still housing chimps no longer involved in research, which costs American taxpayers money and deprives these social creatures of a happier home. The Chimp Sanctuary Act would save American tax dollars and give these chimps a better quality of life," said Kennedy.

"For years, 34 chimpanzees--that are no longer needed for government research--have been held on the Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico in clear violation of the CHIMP Act. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Senator Kennedy in order to right this wrong and help safely transport these chimps to Chimp Haven where they can be properly cared for and live full, healthy lives," said Duckworth.

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