WILMER, Ala. (AP) - A 29-year-old chimpanzee that starred in the 1997 film “Buddy” is being moved from an Alabama zoo to a sanctuary in Florida after animal rights activists complained about the animal’s living conditions.
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal said in a news release Wednesday that the ape, named Joe, is being transported to the Save the Chimps sanctuary in Fort Pierce, Florida.
The move comes after PETA filed a federal lawsuit challenging Joe’s solitary living conditions inside a cage at the Wilmer-based Mobile Zoo.
WKRG-TV (https://bit.ly/1VlKzAP ) reports that the zoo denied that PETA was responsible for the relocation, saying it was a decision zoo officials ultimately made.
Al.com (https://bit.ly/1SlX2OU) reports that only five other chimpanzees are believed to remain in solitary confinement in roadside zoos in the U.S.
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