January 2009

The Houston SPCA recently seized a 23-year-old malnourished chimpanzee from a home in Southeast Texas.

“Henry” was found living in a filthy cage littered with soda cans, cigarettes and trash. Investigators sadly discovered that he had been living in these deplorable conditions for the past 15 years. At an incredibly low weight of 60 pounds, Henry was so weak he could barely stand up. Upon his emergency medical evaluation at the Houston SPCA, it was discovered Henry was suffering from many medical conditions including a suspected bacterial infection of the stomach. Vice President of Animal Welfare, Dr. Teri Schweiss has been closely monitoring Henry’s progress and is hopeful that he is on the road to recovery.

“Due to malnutrition and lack of exposure to light, Henry is suffering from a spinal deformity. When we confiscated him, he had severe vomiting, and constipation. We are thankful to the veterinary staff at the Houston Zoo who incorporated medical and dietary therapy to resolve these issues. Since Henry had lived in this type of environment for a substantial length of time, he will never be 100% medically and physically sound.  However, we hope with proper diet and care, he can live out the remainder of his life in comfort.”

According to the Captive Wild Animal Protection Coalition (CWAPC), more than 80 percent of health and behavioral issues with nonhuman primates arise from those that are kept as pets. In many cases, this happens because the owner is unaware of the lifetime commitment that is required when deciding to raise a chimpanzee (chimpanzees may live as long as 50 to 60 years). The owner starts off as the caring "parent" to a tiny, helpless infant, but by the age of five or six, the chimpanzee is too strong and clever to handle. As the chimpanzee grows - possessing seven to ten times the strength of a human - it has to be locked away. Like many exotic animals kept as pets, chimpanzees are often abandoned, killed, or doomed to live in deplorable conditions.

Fortunately for Henry, he will not have to endure this fate. The Houston SPCA is making sure he receives proper veterinary care, nutritional support and environmental enrichment needed for his recovery. Henry will not be placed for adoption. Instead, the Houston SPCA is securing a sanctuary placement where he will be able to live out the remainder of his life with other chimpanzees and under the care of individuals who can meet his needs.

To find out more about the Houston SPCA, please visit: www.houstonspca.org

© Photo credited to Houston SPCA