Ape Issues At CITES conference

December 2004

CITES parties voted for an amended resolution to support the work of the Great Ape Survival Project (GRASP). Uganda had opposed a paragraph that called for an end to the use of chimpanzees as "diplomatic gifts." In early 2004 Uganda had been criticized for a plan to export three chimpanzees to China and was furious at the worldwide condemnation of the plan. The chimpanzees had been rescued from illegal trade and were living at the Ngamba Island Sanctuary. The thought of these animals re-entering trade shocked the primate protection community.

At a special GRASP luncheon event, the United Kingdom announced a donation of £20,000 for ape protection.

The CITES Bushmeat Working Group, led by Dr. Marcellin Agnagna, discussed its ongoing efforts to fight the international component of the bushmeat trade.

See related story - Wildlife Treaty Parties Meet in Thailand