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  • From: Carrie McLaren <stay.free AT verizon.net>
  • To: monkeywire AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [monkeywire] Zoo questioned for not helping celebrity chimp breed
  • Date: Wed, 03 Aug 2005 10:38:19 -0400

Zoo faces questioning for not helping celebrity chimp breed
http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20050803p2a00m0na022000c.html

The popular chimpanzee Pan-kun is pictured at the Cuddly Dominion zoo in Kumamoto Prefecture on July 16.

ASO, Kumamoto -- The Environment Ministry is poised to question officials at a zoo here over its treatment of the popular chimpanzee Pan-kun, who often appears on television.

Officials at "Aso Cuddly Dominion" face questioning on suspicion of violating the Species Protection Law by failing to properly help Pan-kun breed.

The 3-year-old chimpanzee was transferred to Aso Cuddly Dominion from a zoo in Miyazaki Prefecture two years ago, with permission from the Environment Ministry, for the purpose of breeding.

However, ministry officials said there was a possibility the popular chimp's frequent activities were influencing his ability to reproduce. Pan-kun appeared in performances at Cuddly Dominion immediately upon his arrival. He also traveled around the country appearing on television.

On the NTV program "Tensai! Shimura Dobutsu-en" (Genius! Shimura Zoo), Pan-kun appears in a corner where he goes on errands with a bulldog. He has also appeared in the TBS program "Dobutsu Kiso Tengai!" (Unbelievable Animals!) eight times. In August, he will give three 40-minute performances a day without a break.

There are currently 355 chimpanzees in Japan. Under the Species Protection Law, it is generally forbidden to transfer chimpanzees, which are designated as an internationally rare wild animal. However they may be transferred for the purpose of scientific research and for breeding if permission is received from the Ministry of the Environment.

"In cases where the purpose of the transfer is for breeding, it is all right for the animal to be displayed. In Pan-kun's case, however, he is involved in performances outside the zoo, and there is a possibility this runs counter to the spirit of the law," a ministry official said.

Pan-kun has been interacting with a female chimpanzee at the zoo. Zoo officials say he usually has time to rest.

"He's got a busy schedule during the summer holidays, but usually we arrange for him to have time to rest. I don't think there are any obstacles to his breeding," said a communications official at Aso Cuddly Dominion.

NTV officials said the broadcaster had taken measures to prevent Pan-kun from becoming stressed or tired when filming. "We don't think there is any problem," a representative said. (Mainichi)
Click here for the original Japanese storyClick here for the original Japanese story

August 3, 2005



  • [monkeywire] Zoo questioned for not helping celebrity chimp breed, Carrie McLaren, 08/03/2005

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