With this affirmation, an eminent Spanish scientist sums it up the fight that he, other scientists and GAP Project in Spain and in the world face for a decade on behalf of the recognition of the basic rights of Great Primates.

In a public declaration this week, Professor Jose Maria Bermudez, anthropologist and director of Human Evolution National Investigation Center, presents his thought:

“The knowledge about us, about our origins and about our evolution as a biological species can come from different fields of science. The information offered by Hominids, our closest relatives in filogenetical terms, is invaluable. They are a reference and a necessary model in all the studies promoted about human beings. Considering only this fact, we should protect their habitat and respect their life in freedom. The genetic differences that separate us from current Hominids are very small. We share with them an evolutionary history for million of years. Why cause it to disappear, with no shame, the few species of our own evolutionary family? What do we win with that and how much we could loose with their disappearance”, declared Mermudez in a communication sent to GAP Project Spain.

According to GAP Project Spain Director, Pedro Pozas Terrados, Spanish Government has not been evaluating the Congress Environment Comission Agreement, which on June 25, 2008 proposed to the Government a dead-line of one year to define a law that defends Great Primates in the country. That would take them away of circuses, zoos and entertainment places and offer them a fair life. The Government – according to Pedro Pozas – did not proceed this agreement, which resulted in a public debate. GAP Project Spain understands that this agreement should be implement urgently and is based, among others, in this affirmation by Professor Bermudez: “As any other species of the planet, the Hominids must be protected by law in their natural environment. And more, these laws should consider the particularities of these species, which should be recognized as members of our genealogy.”

Dr. Pedro A Ynterian
President, GAP Project International