Virginia’s SB 907 and the Growing Need for Sanctuary Support

The Virginia Senate recently passed Senate Bill 907 (SB 907), mandating that state-operated animal testing facilities offer nonhuman primates no longer needed for research to certified sanctuaries. This bill does not mandate that all primates used in research be retired, but only those that are no longer needed and are unable to be used in any future research.

The bill defines a certified sanctuary as a nonprofit organization that provides lifetime care for nonhuman primates, does not engage in commercial activity involving the animals, and meets specific standards of care. Specifically, these sanctuaries must be accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries or the American Zoological Association. This ensures that retired primates are placed in environments that prioritize their well-being.

This legislative development aligns with a broader national trend of retiring research primates to sanctuaries. For instance, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently decided to relocate 23 retired research chimpanzees from the Alamogordo Primate Facility in New Mexico to the Chimp Haven sanctuary in Louisiana, highlighting the growing recognition of the importance of providing quality care for primates post-research. (apnews.com)

At For the Love of Primates (FTLOP), we are dedicated to providing a sanctuary for primates retired from laboratory research or previously kept as pets. We believe that every primate deserves a peaceful and enriching environment after their service in research. The passage of SB 907 is a commendable step towards ensuring that primates are given the opportunity to live out their lives in comfort and dignity.

However, existing primate sanctuaries across the U.S. are already operating at capacity, with limited ability to take in new animals. With the introduction of this bill, the demand for sanctuary space will only grow. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to support the establishment of new sanctuaries like FTLOP to ensure that every retired primate has a place to go. We invite you to join us in this mission by supporting our efforts to build a new sanctuary, donating to our cause, or spreading awareness about the need for expanded primate care facilities.

We look forward to collaborating with research institutions to facilitate the transition of primates to our sanctuary, ensuring they receive the life-long care they deserve.

For more information on SB 907, please visit the Virginia Legislative Information System.