Igor celebrates 25 years of safety

Shirley McGreal, directory of the International Primate Protection League, did my first guest blog back in August 2011. Shirley was instrumental in helping me when I first started researching Hurt Go Happy, and has been working to save primates from research facilities, protect them in their natural habitat, and conduct investigations into illegal trafficking in primates for decades. The IPPL is headquartered and operates a sanctuary in Summerville, SC. Shirley sent this beautiful story by Jim Tatum. I thought you might enjoy it.

By Jim Tatum
Summerville Journal Scene ®

Published Thursday, July 05, 2012 3:54 PM

 

Igor, the oldest and most popular Gibbon in residence at the International Primate Protection League’s sanctuary in Summerville, recently celebrated a happy milestone – his 25th anniversary of coming to the sanctuary.

From more than two decades of lonely, abusive existence to a life of peace, contentment and worldwide popularity is a long, rough road.

But Igor, the oldest and most popular Gibbon in residence at the International Primate Protection League’s sanctuary in Summerville has successfully made the journey -- with a little help from a lot of friends.



IPPL



IPPL recently celebrated a happy milestone in Igor’s life: his 25^th anniversary of coming to the sanctuary. To look at Igor, one would not be able to guess either his age or the circumstances of his former life. He’s gentle but a little guarded, meticulous and deliberate in his movements, but still possessed of the poetic grace with which gibbons are so gifted.

Yet a look into those liquid brown eyes belies a peace hard fought and well earned from sheer survival of living in hell for more than two decades.

READ THE FULL STORY

http://www.journalscene.com/news/Igor-celebrates-25-years-with-IPPL

Please visit the International Primate Protection League website

http://www.ippl.org/



IPPL on a rare snowy morning



Dr. Shirley McGreal

"Recognize your phylogeny. You are a Great Ape. We're more related to gorillas than most warblers are to each other."

Audrey Schulman; Three Weeks in December; Europa; 2012.