Do the "Upright" Thing

Posted September 04 2012

Have you ever wondered what happens to animals when they’re no longer wanted for research? Like many of our customers, Wellinhand staunchly opposes animal testing and we are committed to creating cruelty-free, vegan products that do not harm living creatures. But until animal testing is completely eradicated, there is another way to work for animal welfare: supporting the retirement of animals from research facilities. 

Wellinhand is proud to support Primates Incorporated, a Wisconsin-based organization dedicated to building a sanctuary for monkeys retired from research facilities, the exotic pet trade, and the entertainment industry. Primates Incorporated aims to provide retired monkeys with a safe and enriching space in which to recover and live in peace. To help fund the sanctuary, Primates Incorporated runs a monthly online auction of vegan and ethical items. This month, Wellinhand has donated several of our vegan and cruelty-free skin care products to support the sanctuary.

Why support retired monkeys? 

Primates Incorporated explains how the research industry works and why it is so important to build a new sanctuary for monkeys:

“There are approximately 125,000 Old and New World monkeys housed in research facilities today according to the USDA, yet there are only seven reputable primate sanctuaries in the United States.  Not all studies using primates are terminal, and various researchers throughout the U.S. have contacted Primates Incorporated in search of the appropriate primate sanctuary. Unfortunately, there are no foundations dedicated to providing funding for the retirement of Old and New World Monkeys from research facilities -- and most primate sanctuaries are full or near capacity. Sanctuary directors often have to turn away the researchers. Without the retirement option, monkeys are instead sold for more research, kept on as breeders, or euthanized.

“Chimpanzees (approximately 1,000 are housed in research laboratories) at least benefit from the C.H.I.M.P. Act -- federal funding available for their retirement into sanctuaries. Monkeys do not receive federal funding for retirement, despite their similarities to both chimpanzees and humans and their prevalence in laboratories. Rhesus monkeys, the most commonly used primates in research, can live up to an average of 35 years in captivity and are typically housed using the minimum USDA standards: a cage size of 4.3 square feet and a height of 30 inches.”

What can be done?

Primates Incorporated hopes that by building a sanctuary in Wisconsin, more primates will be retired to the peaceful and healthy life they deserve. The sanctuary will care for up to 75 monkeys on 10-30 acres of land in a secluded area, with rehabilitation programs and ample outdoor and indoor space. 

As a vegan company completely opposed to animal testing, Wellinhand applauds the work that Primates Incorporated is doing to restore dignity to monkeys who have spent much of their lives subjected to confinement, painful experiments, and degrading treatment.

How can I help?

Proceeds from Primates Incorporated’s monthly online auctions goes to fund the purchase of land and construction of the new sanctuary. In September and October, a fabulous selection of Wellinhand products will be up for grabs in the auction, along with jewelry, books, artwork, and more. If you’re in the market for Wellinhand products or looking for a unique gift in support of animal rights, check out the auction at www.primatesincauction.com

Click here to do the “upright” thing!