Majority Believe Chimpanzees Have “Complex Social, Intellectual And Emotional Lives”

Evaluates general attitudes and opinions relating to chimpanzees and humans, including the use of chimps in science and entertainment.

This survey, sponsored by the Doris Day Animal League, found that Americans largely believe that chimpanzees and humans have much in common and that chimps should be protected by some of the same rights that protect children.

85% believe that chimps have “complex social, intellectual and emotional lives similar to humans.” Nearly 90% of respondents feel that it is unacceptable to confine chimps in government approved ages.

51% of those surveyed believe that chimps should have the same legal standing as children, with appointed guardians to look after their interests.

69% of Americans would support a law that gives parties the right to sue on behalf of abused chimps.

24% last saw a chimp in a television documentary, 22% in a television commercial and 21% in a zoo.

80% believe that the government should pay for retirement to a primate sanctuary for chimps who are no longer used in research.

51% would not have a problem boycotting entertainment venues or advertisers if they knew that the chimps had been physically abused to make them perform.

Both younger people and women found research on chimps to be much less acceptable than the overall population.