Monkey Wrench

I was disturbed by “Pioneer Chimps” (Dec. 7), in which Gary Karasik blithely discusses animal experimentation. It is interesting that he did not mention the growing concern over the near-extinction of chimps. For every chimp brought alive to the United States, at least four die in transit. The idea that “they boldly go where no man has gone before” seems to imply that they go willingly.

Reading the article, one would conclude that life is just rosy for animals involved in experimentation. In fact, it’s a life that makes Dachau look good. The “special containment facility” described is a euphemism for an immobilization device that will restrain the chimp for its entire life--an unnatural life of sickness, fear and hastened death.

In the past, the Animals column has been a section for educated readers on animals, their habits and habitats. I don’t feel this is the place to slyly promote or glorify the misuse or abuse of animals.

Maggie Gilday

North Hollywood