“Welfare of Apes” Article

Excerpts from the Paper

Welfare of Apes Article
In the provocatively titled article “Welfare of Apes in Captive Environments: Comments On, and By, a Specific Group of Apes” Savage-Rumbaugh et al. explore the topic of the welfare of apes in captive environments. They take the novel approach of basing their argument on an assessment of the similarities between apes and humans. More controversially, the “et al” phrase is used here with the important caveat that it refers to three apes – according to Savage-Rumbaugh, these are her co-authors, for she claims to have interviewed them extensively. Taking issue with the widely held view that apes lack mental complexity, Savage-Rumbaugh et al. argue that a study of bonobo apes (Pan paniscus) shows that they are more...

..... conceded that Kanzi does seem remarkably intelligent. Future research should seek to explore whether Savage-Rumbaugh et al.’s findings and assertions can be replicated or substantiated in any way. Clearly it would take a great deal of evidence for these arguments to be accepted, and for these recommendations to be followed. However, if such evidence is gathered and Savage-Rumbaugh et al.’s recommendations are implemented, we may be on the verge of a brave new world of understanding both our nearest relatives, and ultimately ourselves.
Bibliography
Savage-Rumbaugh, Sue, and three bonobo apes. “Welfare of Apes in Captive Environments: Comments On, and By, a Specific Group of Apes.” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 10.1, 2007: 7-19.