THE APE FOUNDATION

AAP is an European shelter for exotic animals. Initially the Aap Foundation (aap is the Dutch word for ape) was established as a temporary reception centre for Apes. But since it was impossible or very difficult, to say the least, to replace the apes the Ape-retirement plan was developped were the apes can stay for the rest of their life. This special Ape retirement centre is based in The Netherlands and a new complex is under construction in Spain . Besides this a special chimpanzee centre will be established for the animals that need specialised care.

In the sixties of the last century it was quite normal to keep exotic animals. People did not know much about the animals and there was no legislation. Many animals were taken along from distant destinations, but when it became clear that most exotic animals did not turn out to be a nice pets, a shelter was very much needed. In 1972 the Aap Foundation was officially established. In the past 30 years the small scale organisation of volunteers grew into a professionally run reception centre.

Now the Aap Foundation became the European shelter for exotic animals. The animals that end up at Aap usually come from illegal trade, test laboratories, circuses, shady zoo's or directly from private persons. Often the animals are seriously maltreated or neglected.

The reception centre of the Ape foundation is established to make the animals healthy again and to place them back into their natural environment, like a nature reserve or a renowned zoo. Sadly enough this turns out to be very difficult. Since the shelter in The Netherlands starts to be over full, a new shelter is under construction in Spain .

Although the fight against the smuggling of exotic animals is a huge success in The Netherlands, not much is done in other European countries like Belgium , France , Spain and Italy . There is a long waiting list for Apes in Europe that need a place in the Dutch shelter. When needed neglected Apes are picked up from everywhere. One of the latest victims was an ape kept on a very short leash to a very small steel shed in Turkey . For years the animal lived in the heat, neglected and abused by his owner. more features

October 21, 2004