Primates are the mammals that are humankind’s closest biological relatives. We share 98.4% of our DNA with chimpanzees. Apes, monkeys, and prosimians such as lorises, bush babies and lemurs make up the 234 species of the family tree. About 90% of primates live in tropical forests. They play an integral role in the ecology of their habitat.

The annihilation and extermination of The Great Apes and many other primate species is at hand. The future is now. Intervention and action must occur now and with a sense of urgency.

Hunting and habitat destruction is taking place globally. The worst case scenarios are playing out right now in the most politically unstable nations of Africa and Asia. Political unrest and illegal logging are driving these primates into extinction at an accelerated rate.

Even with immediate intervention saving these primates from extinction will not be easy. Populations are very slow to recover- primate species have only three to four offspring in a lifetime. Habitat destruction can isolate the primates into small groups, which leaves them vulnerable to extinction due to a loss of genetic diversity.

I had put most of my real bigfoot research (at least concerning field work) on hold starting January 2005 to seriously continue my education, taking Historical geology (which also covers the Cenozoic and hominoid/hominids as well as the difference and origins of New & Old World monkeys), and Physical Anthropology (genetics, physiology, and primate behavior, etc.).  My degree plan requires these classes anyway so I was thrilled to be discovering information which could help me better understand the human race, earth's history, and the early hominids (direct human lineage), as well as any hominoids (bigfoot is considered a hominoid).

Toward the end of the semester I discovered that there is a chimp rescue mission (only a 90 min drive from El Paso, located in Alamogordo, NM) is presently the largest facility of its type in the world, with 225 chimps, plus macaques and other chimps already relocated at the new facility being built down in Ft. Pierce, FL.  Many of the chimps are from the space program, pets that grew too big for their owners to handle, old circus chimps, and medical laboratory experiment chimps, all rescued by Save The Chimps.  I immediately knew that I had to volunteer there (they are not open to the public by the way) and have since had a TB test, tetanus shot, and am helping with enrichment programs, etc. for the chimps.  Once in solitary confinement, they are now allowed to see each other through windows are have been brought together in "family units" so they can groom, interact, and BE chimps, instead of living like prisoners in tiny walled cells.  They are given fresh fruits, veggies, snacks, blankets, toys, and a host of other enrichment opportunities to grow and enjoy life.  Soon they will all be moved down to the chimp isles in Florida and my opportunity to volunteer locally will be over.  I'm taking advantage of the hands-on learning experience as much as possible till then, which is not often enough!

-- Sharon Eby

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