AAP Foundation opens new rescue centre Primadomus in Spain

Almere/Villena, 24 November 2009 – The Dutch AAP Foundation officially opens a new rescue centre today in Spain called AAP Primadomus. Dr. Jane Goodall, a campaigner for chimpanzees, will host the opening ceremony, with several guests attending from all over Europe. Primadomus is situated in the city of Villena, approximately fifty kilometers West of Alicante.

With the opening of the Primadomus rescue centre, AAP aims to increase its support for government institutions throughout Europe and assist in enforcing animal welfare laws. AAP has been looking forward to opening AAP Primadomus for a long time. After years of building and preparation, the rescue centre will offer a permanent residence for chimpanzees and other primates that have no place else to go.

Hundreds of primates and other exotic mammals throughout Europe are living in appalling circumstances. Every year, a lot of Barbary Macaques are illegally transported from Morocco to European households and many chimpanzees are still exploited by circuses. AAP cooperates with government institutions and other animal welfare organizations, assisting in the rescue of these animals. AAP’s rescue center in Almere, the Netherlands, does not provide enough space to house all the animals that need shelter. Furthermore, once the animals at AAP have been resocialised, it is not always possible to find suitable outplacement addresses such as renowned zoos or sanctuaries. The opening of Primadomus gives AAP extra possibilities to give discarded monkeys a permanent home.

Among the speakers at the opening ceremony are Dr. Jane Goodall, who will reveal a commemorative plaque to celebrate the opening of Primadomus, the mayor of Villena, Celia Lledó, David van Gennep, director of AAP Foundation and Olga Martin, director of the project in Spain. The mayor of Villena will also be presented with a commemorative plaque to mark the opening of a natural education centre just outside AAP Primadomus. The guests will also have a chance to see how the ten ‘Donkey’s group’ chimpanzees are enjoying their new environment. The guests at the opening include some of AAP’s financial donors and representatives of other animal organizations such as IFAW and WSPA.

Earlier this month, ten chimpanzees known as ‘Donkey’s group’ were the first inhabitants to move to Primadomus. These chimps were rescued from circuses, unscrupulous zoos and private owners. In AAP Primadomus, they can enjoy the peace and space that this beautiful centre has to offer. Situated at the foot of the Sierra de Salinas mountains, Primadomus will eventually offer permanent housing to approximately 150 animals from around Europe. A large part of the terrain will remain a nature reserve.