Primates for Primates

Our home page orangutan is named Gistok. He was an ex-captive orangutan released in Tanjung Puting National Park. Unfortunately Gistok preferred people rather than the forest. He was one of the orangutans that the Indonesian government tried to reintroduce into the wild.

Gistok would typically sneak onto tourists' boats and go through all of their belongings in search of food.

There was a young woman who volunteered to work for the national park for a year or two. She told the photographer Michael Turco, the following story,

One day Gistok wandered into the park department's residence. One of the park guards saw Gistok and followed him inside. The park department employee cornered Gistok (a juvenile male) and beat him viciously . The British volunteer saw what was happening and climbed into the bedroom window. She draped herself over Gistok, hoping to stop the beating ; it worked.

After that the park built a cage for orangutans like Gistok. There were only two orangutans and the second was a very young juvenile and in no way was he as mischievous as Gistok.

In their wisdom the park service under-estimated the strength of even a juvenile orangutan. Once placed inside, Gistok simply spread the bars and left. The cage still stands as a monument to stupidity.

A few years later when illegal logging became rampant in Tanjung Puting, Gistok who was considered a pest, was killed.

Michael Turco who took this wonderful photo said "I found Gistok to be a sweet affectionate orangutan who would rather get an easy meal than forage in the forest"

About Us In November 1990 word reached us that Dr William McBride of Foundation 41 was considering euthanasing more than 240 Common Marmosets. The marmosets were no longer needed for his research. Upon hearing the news, Lynette Shanley phoned Dr Shirley McGreal of the International Primate Protection League advising her of what was happening. Dr McGreal suggested we start a primate welfare organisation in Australia. The only animal welfare group in Australia working solely on primate issues, and working for all species of non human primate, was born. Lynette had been campaigner for animal rights since mid 1982 and her background in animal welfare helped her start Primates for Primates. Unlike many other primate protection organisations we do not focus on one species of primate or just great apes. All primates are worthy of protection and all need help in many ways. We assist all primate species and address all welfare issues involving primates. We work to protect all non human primates against all forms of cruelty and abuse. To preserve and conserve all non human primates and their natural habitats and to support other groups within Australia and overseas, who are involved in the protection and preservation and conservation of primates. A home was found for the marmosets at a sanctuary. Unfortunately most of the marmosets were still sent overseas to Charles River Laboratories in England, who supply primates to the research community. Charles River was able to pay for the marmosets. We could not.
	Our home page orangutan is named Gistok. He was an ex-captive orangutan released in Tanjung Puting National Park. Unfortunately Gistok preferred people rather than the forest. He was one of the orangutans that the Indonesian government tried to reintroduce into the wild. Gistok would typically sneak onto tourists' boats and go through all of their belongings in search of food. There was a young woman who volunteered to work for the national park for a year or two. She told the photographer Michael Turco, the following story, One day Gistok wandered into the park department's residence. One of the park guards saw Gistok and followed him inside. The park department employee cornered Gistok (a juvenile male) and beat him viciously . The British volunteer saw what was happening and climbed into the bedroom window. She draped herself over Gistok, hoping to stop the beating ; it worked. After that the park built a cage for orangutans like Gistok. There were only two orangutans and the second was a very young juvenile and in no way was he as mischievous as Gistok. In their wisdom the park service under-estimated the strength of even a juvenile orangutan. Once placed inside, Gistok simply spread the bars and left. The cage still stands as a monument to stupidity. A few years later when illegal logging became rampant in Tanjung Puting, Gistok who was considered a pest, was killed. Michael Turco who took this wonderful photo said "I found Gistok to be a sweet affectionate orangutan who would rather get an easy meal than forage in the forest"
Our History A short history of PRIMATES FOR PRIMATES and some of our achievements. 1991 * We received a tip off as to when the Foundation 41 marmosets were due to arrive at Heathrow Airport. We contacted an English animal welfare organisation, who were there at Heathrow to film the marmosets coming off the plane. The film and photos were passed onto British Members of Parliament who raised the issue in Parliament. Photos were also published in the Animal Aid newsletter. The result was an outcry from the English people. Later British Airways who carried the marmosets promised never to fly primates that were to be used for research, again. * We visited the primates at the Australian National University and the Baboon Breeding Colony in the outer Sydney western suburbs and started campaigning for better conditions. * We start a circus campaign. 1992 * We received anonymously, in the post a copy of a protocol in which macaques were to be strapped into restraint chairs and have electrodes implanted in their heads. The experiments were to take place at the Australian National University (ANU). We were informed that the experiments had been approved and were due to start. We contacted other groups and together we participated in several demonstrations. Dr Colin Groves and I visited the primate facilities at the ANU. * The ANU donated 39 macaque monkeys to Tulane Primate Research Centre in Louisiana. We gained information form overseas organisations regarding the use of primates from this centre. In August 1992 we met with officials from Qantas, which was the airline that carried the animals to Tulane. Following that meeting we sent further information regarding primates in shipment and the latest Annual Report from Tulane verifying the usage of primates. In December 1992 Qantas stopped carrying primates destined for experimentation as a result of this action. 1993 * We visit five macaques that had been housed separately at the Australian National University. We immediately started campaigning for better conditions. A report completed by an independent primatologist confirmed that the animals had to be placed in better conditions in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines. As a result of pressure ANU ceases all breeding of primates. * We campaigned against the Australian Capital Territories circus laws allowing primates into the A.C.T with a circus but no other exotic animals. We felt primates should also be banned. * We start campaigning for changes to the National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines. * We receive advice that the orangutans at Taronga Zoo are to be sent to Hyderabad Zoo India and replaced by purebred Bornean orangutans. Taronga denies this but has previously sent hybrid orangutans to Hydrabad. We received much media coverage. Taronga holds on to the animals they have only replacing them with purebred species when space for them becomes available. * We produce our first newsletter. 1994 * We receive complaints regarding the treatment and housing of animals at Notre Dame. We start pushing for government intervention. * We raise money for the Dian Fossey gorillas that are in trouble as a result of the conflict in Rwanda. * We hold a zoo discussion night and start our campaign for better conditions in zoos. * After visiting Gorge Wildlife park we start pushing for improved conditions immediately at this zoo. * After receiving reports about the conditions and housing of the baboons at the Royal Prince Alfred hospital we visit these primates and start applying pressure for better conditions. * We receive complaints about the Microsearch Foundation. We ask the NSW government to look into this. We write letters to several important people about Microsearch. Microsearch temporarily loses license to keep primates. 1995 * We take action against the laws in NSW and VIC allowing people to keep primates as pets. * We start campaigning against a zoo where primates are trained to help the disabled. Monkeys are not suitable for this work as they are often unreliable. This can be disastrous especially for people who are totally incapacitated. Their training tends to involve great cruelty. * We expose the cruel Parkinson Disease experiments taking place at Monash university and the possibility of them importing vervet monkeys. We demonstrate at Monash. * We start campaigning for changes under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. * We step up our campaign for better conditions in laboratories and protest against the use of primates in experiments. 1996. * As a direct result of our campaigns The New South Wales Government reclassifies primates making it illegal to keep them as pets (except for those who already owned them when the new legislation came in). Lynette Shanley appointed to the Non Indigenous Animal Advisory Committee (primate Sub Group). * Many of the changes we requested for the treatment of primates in circuses are passed. * Notre Dame Zoo loses its licence after complaints from us to the government and because it did not abide by the Exhibited Animal Protection Act. As a direct result of our actions the problems make front page news in the Sun Herald. M.P. Richard Jones assists. Notre Dame forced to close down and eventually fined. * We sent out press releases regarding the possibility of CSIRO euthanasing 236 marmosets. After press coverage CSIRO confirms they will not be euthanased. * We start applying pressure to some Indonesian zoos for improved conditions. * At a meeting at Parliament House we advise the Hon Richard Amery that people in NSW are allowed to keep American Alligators, Brown Caimans, Galapagos turtles and many other exotic animals as pets. * Both Lynette Shanley and Dr Colin Groves work towards better conditions for primates in private hands. * We produce our first travel kit. This is an immediate success. * We take part in the Australian March for Animals. 1997. * NSW government changes laws regarding the keeping of American alligators, brown caimans Galapagos tortoises and many other animals after our submission. It becomes illegal to keep them, except for people that had them when the new legislation came in. * Buxton Zoo who had been training primates to help the disabled faces court action. We find a home for a psychologically disturbed monkey from Buxton zoo. * Many changes we request for the guidelines to using primates in medical experiments are passed. * We campaign against Ridgeway's circus. Authorities request Ridgeway's to improve their conditions after we gain much newspaper coverage. One chimp Lola was to be euthanased. Lola was not euthanased after our press coverage. Lola and her baby were to be separated when the baby was approx 10 months. We protest loudly. Lola and her baby are kept together until the baby was approx 18 months. * We expose the conditions at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital baboon breeding colony after taking a reporter and photographer out to the colony. . * Microsearch and the problems we originally raised in 1994 make the newspapers. Lynette Shanley interviewed after being sacked from the ethics committee for asking too many questions. This sends a message to the public that these committees can be manipulated by the research institutions. . * Primates for Primates protests at the CSIRO marmoset breeding colony. 1998 * As a result of our campaigns the Royal Prince Alfred hospital staff is found guilty of taking "pot shots" at baboons in their care with air rifles. * We launch our new logo "the family portrait". * Second updated version of our travel kit sent out. 1999. * We deliver eggs and peanuts to the Melbourne University macaque breeding colony after these items were withdrawn from their diet due to budgetary constraints. * Primates for primates start campaigning against the possibility of a primate cloning centre being opened in Australia. * We hold an conference bringing speakers from overseas including Dr Shirley McGreal. * We are informed of monkey skulls being sold in Sydney and advise Environment Australia. * National Health and Medical Research Council advise it is because of our efforts an ethicist was elected to the Code Liason Group. 2000. We campaign to save 26 monkeys in Launceston. They were found to have Herpes B. Lyn Travels to Launceston to address the council. Monkeys are not euthanased and are given new, improved enclosures. Lyn visits the United States to attend a conference attended by many animal welfare activists world wide. * Lyn visits the HIV research monkeys in Victoria and questions the validity of the research. * We demonstrate against the importation of primates for HIV research. 2001. * We launch a Zoo Review campaign to get a National Codes of Practice across Australia. After submitting reports on zoos to the government the federal Government agrees a national Code is needed. * We convene a meeting to discuss latest in primate welfare. Laboratory managers, zoo personnel and pet primate keepers attend. The meeting was successful. 2002 * We ran a campaign for better conditions at the Rockhampton zoo. Queensland government advises us that it was a highly successful campaign. * We visit the Defence primates in Queensland. * We continue with our push for a national zoo code. 2004 * Lynette Shanley wins compassionate award for her work with primates, cats, ducks and much more. * Lynette takes reporters and photographers in the early hours of the morning to the baboon breeding colony. * Apes given more rights by the National Health and Medical Research Council after we campaign for this. * We campaign against xenotransplantation. 2005 * We expose problems at Bredl’s Zoo. See Action Page. Bredl’s zoo problems receive world wide attention. * We raise concerns about a zoo in NSW and address the National Consultative committee regarding zoos. * Lyn travels to India and sees primates in their own natural habitat for the first time ever. * Lyn visits 3 primate labs in 3 different states and raises concerns. * Checks carried out on pet primate keepers after we push for this. Some quotes from primatologists. 1998 A MESSAGE FROM INTERNATIONAL PRIMATE PROTECTION LEAGUE - CHAIRWOMAN SHIRLEY MCGREAL. We are just delighted with the work of PRIMATES FOR PRIMATES Australia. Before the group existed, I had no clue how many problems primates were facing in Australia. These primates and all of us who care about them - owe Lynette a great debt of gratitude for bringing them to light and tackling them with such dogged determination. Please continue to support PRIMATES FOR PRIMATES so that the great work of this group can continue and expand. 2000 I have now worked with Lynette Shanley for ten years. Lynette represents the International Primate Protection League in Australia as well as running Primates for Primates. I encourage all Australians who care about primates to join Primates for Primates. If the primates could speak, I am sure they would agree, because Australian primates never had a more dynamic and determined friend. Lynette, who I am proud to call a friend, snatched victory from what looked like certain defeat, saving a doomed troop of Japanese snow monkeys from being killed when some were found to carry the Herpes B virus. She has many more victories to her credit. My only wish is that we could clone her - with hundreds of Lynettes all round the globe, the primates would need to fear no evil. A QUOTE FROM PROF. COLIN GROVES. 1998 Due to Lynette's initiative, enterprise and hard work all sorts of things have been achieved. Pet primates have been banned, the NSW Government has recently taken actions because of her revelations about the state of the RPA. hospital baboons, Monash University has accepted the NHMRC's very enlightened standards,, the NHMRC's standards have become as enlighten as they are because of PRIMATES FOR PRIMATES, and Lynette has kept other institutions on their very best behaviour. 2000 Primates for Primates, the organisation that parallels IPPL in Australia, has had some striking successes in bringing captive nonhuman primate welfare to public attention. PFP's activities have led to restricting the private ownership of primates as pets. PFP considers it important to keep in communication with members of the biomedical research community who work with nonhuman primates, resulting in behavioural enrichment and other improvements in welfare and treatment - and some delinquent organisations have been publicly exposed, leading to drastic changes in practice. PFP continues to work for decency in the treatment of nonhuman primates by human ones. As you can see despite being a young organisation, PRIMATES FOR PRIMATES has already built up a solid "track record". PRIMATES FOR PRIMATES is now becoming recognised by the media as an authoritative and compassionate voice for primates. PRIMATES FOR PRIMATES has received coverage on Channels 2, 7,9 and 10 - and three times the 7.30 Report, once about the pet primate issue, once about the RPA. baboons and once about the sacking of Lynette from the ethics committee. We were also featured on "Good News Week". We have been interviewed on several radio programs including the "Alan Jones" show. We are always busy. We have had newspaper coverage in most states of Australia. Our work received coverage in the Australian Newspaper "Education Report" which is distributed to every academic institution and many academic people in Australia. We have also been featured in the Australasian Post, Women's day, Bulletin and Simply Living Magazine. Womens Weekly published a story about Lyn's first cat and how that convinced her animal welfare had to be a top priority in her life. PRIMATES FOR PRIMATES Australia cooperates with many other animal welfare organisations and have received coverage in their magazines. The work of PRIMATES FOR PRIMATES Australia is not being duplicated by any other organisation.
Primates for Primates PO Box 60 Portland NSW 2847 Phone/Fax 61 2 6355 4026 email:info@primates4primates.org