Spain: Pass a law to protect great apes NOW!

To: the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda; Directorate-General for Animal Rights

“Spain urgently needs a law to give great apes special protection and abolish practices that threaten their lives.”

Read letter

The great apes

Bonobos, orangutans, chimpanzees and gorillas are collectively referred to as “great apes”. Like humans, they belong to the hominid family. This has been recognized by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora since 1997 and is accepted by the entire scientific community.

Great apes are sentient individuals with personality traits similar to those of humans and with physical, emotional and social needs. They have exceptional cognitive abilities such as learning, communication and complex thinking.

Great apes and the law

With its Animal Welfare Act, the Spanish government recognizes that animals are sentient beings. This is in line with European legislation. Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union states:

“In formulating and implementing the Union’s agriculture, fisheries, transport, internal market, research and technological development and space policies, the Union and the Member States shall, since animals are sentient beings, pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals, while respecting the legislative or administrative provisions and customs of the Member States relating in particular to religious rites, cultural traditions and regional heritage.”

Previously, on June 25, 2008, the Environment Committee of the Spanish Congress of Deputies approved the Proposición no de Ley on the Great Ape Project (Expte. No. 161/99).

It also sets a precedent for other countries. Recognizing the rights of great apes compels us to reflect on our relationship with nature and how we can coexist with other species in an ethical and sustainable way in the face of the global environmental crisis.

There is no excuse for further delaying a law to protect great apes that does not cause political division ... it harms neither the left nor the right. On the contrary, it unites all people who understand the importance of protecting exceptional living beings.”

– Pedro Pozas Terrados, Executive Director of the Great Ape Project

The Proyecto Gran Simio is spearheading this initiative, which is supported by Spanish society and has attracted interest from scientists, environmentalists and animal rights activists.

To: the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda; Directorate-General for Animal Rights

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In Spain, Animal Protection Law 7/2023 of March 28 stipulates that “three months after the law comes into force, i.e. from December 29, 2023, the government must present a draft law for the protection of great apes” (according to the 4th additional provision). It is now more than a year overdue.

As stated in the explanatory memorandum to the public hearing prior to the drafting of the bill on great apes, “special protection for this group of primates is necessary … to eliminate practices that threaten the life, physical integrity, dignity and survival of great apes.” https://www.dsca.gob.es/sites/default/files/consultapub/CPP-Ley-Grandes-Simios.pdf

The Great Ape Law should set minimum standards for the welfare of great apes that have been exploited in zoos and other facilities for decades. It will be an important tool to ensure that they are never again treated as objects of entertainment or mere economic resources for humans. The law should cover the following points:

• An end to captive ape programs, as there is no independent scientific support for them and they only serve to increase populations and replace those that die.
• An end to transfers between zoos that disrupt the family units of great apes.
• Prohibition of their use in circus performances, advertising, television, film etc.
• Prohibition of experiments of any kind.
• An end to captive breeding.
• Strict flood and fire protocols.
• If animals must live in captivity, strict conditions should apply. They must live in an environment that is optimal for their development.
• Entry to Spain should only be permitted for great apes if their destination is a rescue center.
• Spain must incorporate the commitments it has agreed upon with global organizations such as UNEP, GRAPS and others into its own legal system and continue its commitment to protecting great apes in international forums.

We must stop the unrestricted exploitation of those who share our evolutionary path. This law harms no one but benefits everyone. Every day that goes by without this law being passed is another day these extraordinary beings suffer needlessly and remain unprotected and vulnerable – hastening their demise.

Great apes deserve to live with dignity. A law to protect great apes is not just a regulation but a statement of principle that is urgently needed. Thank you for putting it into effect as soon as possible.

Yours faithfully,