AAP Foundation Opens New Rescue Centre Primadomus in Spain

ALMERE, The Netherlands and VILLENA, Spain, November 24 - 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 guests attending from all over Europe.
Primadomus is situated in 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 of 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. AAP cooperates with government
institutions and other animal welfare organizations to rescue these animals.
AAP's rescue centre 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 resocialized, it is not always possible to find suitable
outplacement adresses 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 Lledo and David van Gennep, director of AAP
Foundation. 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 get to see how the ten 'Donkey's group'
chimpanzees are enjoying their new environment. The guests 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 centre has to offer. Primadomus will
eventually offer permanent housing to approximately 150 animals from around
Europe.

For more information, photos or footage, please contact Stichting AAP, Petra Timmers or Karen Jansen: +31-(0)622098580, petra.timmers at aap.nl. www.aap.nl. Photos free of copyright: www.lewiswire.com/nl/lewiswire/Stichting-AAP/AAP-Foundation-opens-new-rescue-centre-Primadomus-in-Spain/n/6465