Two
chimpanzees return to sanctuary
Two chimpanzees who
have appeared on numerous movies and TV shows have been removed
from a San Bernardino ranch and will be retired to Florida.
The chimps named Sable
and Cody should arrive in New Mexico today. A third chimp,
Angel, will be directly shipped to Florida.
The trio have appeared in numerous productions, including T-V's
"That 70s Show" and "The Craig Kilborn Show" and the upcoming
movie "Evan Almighty."
The chimps were raised from a young age by trainer Sid Yost, who
runs Amazing Animal Productions.
Last year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund and other groups sued
Yost in federal court. They allege Yost beat the chimps with
sticks, used an electric shock stick on them and punched,
taunted and intimidated the animals.
Yost did not acknowledge any wrongdoing in the settlement. He
says he can't reveal details of the settlement, but has denied
abusing the animals.
Sable and Cody will live in New Mexico, where they have
relatives, for a period of adjustment.
The plan eventually is for them to rejoin Angel in a Florida
sanctuary that houses dozens of primates on a series of islands.
