Primate experimentation: we have the need, but do we have the right?
Meet Sheba. A Chimpanzee born in a cage, raised in a zoo and who spent twenty-four years in a laboratory. She epitomises our evolving relationship with the animal world.
Our presenter, zoologist Charlotte Uhlenbroek (BBC Cousins, Talking with Animals), has studied chimps in the wild for years and found it hard to accept experimentation on animals, especially ones that are so like us. The justifications and counter arguments have raged for decades and although attitudes have changed, the debate is still unresolved.
Featuring interviews with those who knew and worked with Sheba, Charlotte guides us inside the world of primate research and advancements in medical science. The documentary confronts the fundamental question: we have the need to experiment, but do we have the right?
Original concept developed and produced by Will Aslett, with special thanks to Tim Haines for his support. As Will explains, “This project has been an emotional rollercoaster for all involved. Sheba’s story needed to be told and the BBC World Service is the perfect partner”.
Aurra’s one-hour documentary is now available to listen to on BBC Sounds.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct9bnr
Photo: Sheba, courtesy of Chimp Haven, Louisiana