The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary: A True Story of Resilience and Recovery

Former primatologist Westoll (The Riverbones) investigates the psychological and physical trauma endured by chimpanzees used in biomedical research labs. Going on hiatus from his job as a journalist, he cares for the chimps at their new home—the Fauna Sanctuary, a Quebec refuge for animals. He cooks for them, plays with them, and learns their horror stories: in the name of science, Sue Ellen's teeth were knocked out with a hammer; Chance spent the first five years of her life in isolation; Tom was repeatedly injected with strains of HIV for 30 years and was knocked unconscious more than 369 times. A distressing, deeply important exposé of the suffering we have inflicted on our closest animal relation, the ethics of animal testing, and finally (and happily) a heartening picture of Fauna Sanctuary's commitment and compassion. Photos. (May)