News Releases
Schiff Hardin LLP's Animal Law Practice Settles Two Significant Primate Custody Law Suits
June 04, 2008
 Bruce A. Wagman |
The chimpanzees, Emma and Jackson, have been living at Chimps, Inc. in Bend, Oregon, since April 2007, and have been very happily integrated to the family of chimpanzees at the sanctuary. "Emma and Jackson are enjoying a fantastic life with their adopted family, playing outside, and growing up so nicely. We are thrilled that we have finally guaranteed that they will stay here for the rest of their lives," said Paula Muellner, Executive Director and chief caregiver at Chimps, Inc. The chimpanzees and the gibbons had been removed from a facility called Primarily Primates in 2007, during the pendency of a lawsuit filed by the Texas Attorney General against the San Antonio group. The parties have now settled all claims over the custody of the animals.
The nine gibbons are also going to spend the rest of their lives in a wonderful setting in Summerville, South Carolina at International Primate Protection League, the world’s leading sanctuary for the small apes. The gibbons, who live in monogamous pairs, are among a large group cared for by a team of professionals and overseen by the world famous primatologist Shirley McGreal.
Mr. Wagman, who represented both sanctuaries, declared: "I am overjoyed that these eleven animals can now be assured they are in their permanent homes, and that their caregivers can get back to the business of running the sanctuaries and providing the best lives for their nonhuman companions."
