In December 2006 a chimpanzee was rescued by the Animal Protection Society of Cancun in Mexico and was taken to Xcaret Park, where a group pf specialists took care of it and helped it get well. Then, it was transferred to the reserve of Monkey World in England where after a process of readjustment to its natural environment it will be released as part of the program of animal protection of Xcaret park.

Bryan, the chimpanzee, was introduced into Mexico in 2003, by a man who took it to the city of Cancun where he was expecting to make some money with the animal, but fortunately, the Animal Protection Society of this city noticed the bad conditions and treatment that the chimpanzee was suffering and initiated the rescue process.

In July 2005 Bryan was confiscated by the PROFEPA and the Animal Protection Society. This process was difficult both, for the animal and for the people involved, since the man who had it wouldn’t cooperate.

Xcaret opened its doors to Bryan offering him home, food and care. Promotion was never made of this event since Xcaret only promotes species that are endemic to the zone. Bryan entered Xcaret as part of a program of protection to species in precarious situations, in which it takes full responsibility of its house, health and food.

Monkey World is a reserve of chimpanzees located in England where they offer Bryan home and a new life, rights that were denied to him since he was just a baby. Bryan will be the chimpanzee number 60 in this reserve and will go through a quarantine process before integrating him to the group of chimpanzees of this amazing place.

Gloria Frasier, Honorary President of the Animal Protection Society of Cancun, Mexico, said during the works to transfer Bryan: "We have been working for more than one year with the valuable aid of Sara Rincón Gallardo, who works locally in Cancun; with her help and that of the people in the U.S. we have found a sanctuary in England interested enough in Bryan. In Xcaret, Bryan had the best experience that he could have. Xcaret has behaved wonderfully, they took care of Bryan incredibly, they are very compassionate and good people, we are so thankful, we wish there was a way to pay what they’ve done. For Xcaret it has not been easy to have this little animal, he has been expensive, nevertheless they have done it with all quality and love."

Jim Cronin, director of Monkey World explained "Sara Rincón Gallardo, who runs an excellent organization for the protection of wildlife in Cancun, Gloria Frasier and my wife, Allison Cronin, worked together during the last 18 months, doing all the paper work and dealing with a lot of bureaucracy, both English and Mexican, however everyone was satisfied in the end and agreed to make the transfer. It took long time, everybody was very patient, and most important, in Monkey World we all know that Bryan spent the last 18 months under the good care of Xcaret."

Jim Cronin said that a new family is waiting for Bryan; 8 chimpanzees among who there is Sally, who always adopts all the babies. He will have an ant, sisters and brothers. In time, Bryan will be able to enjoy Monkey World installations.

When we ask his opinion about the conditions and care that Bryan received in Xcaret, Jim Cronin answered: "I think Bryan couldn’t be in a better place. We have worked with many organizations but Xcaret is the most professional we have treated with. We are really happy. We can notice that Bryan was very well fed, they really took care of him and above all, it seems to me that everybody there loves Bryan. It is important to say that Xcaret doesn’t exhibit chimpanzees, it only exhibits Mexican fauna and culture. We are very happy that this Animal Protection Program exists, that Bryan was happy and healthy thanks to the professionalism of Xcaret, and that we can give him a family from here to the next 40 years. Bryan will not be sent back to the wild life, which is disappearing little by little due to the human settlings, also the shelters in Africa are full.

Efraín Ríos, manager of the Sustainable Development department of Xcaret, thinks that when a civil association (Animal Protection Society), a private enterprise (Xcaret Park) and the government work all together for the same cause, very interesting things can be achieved.

For his part, Carlos Torres, leader of the team who took care of Bryan, commented that Bryan arrived to the park without using sedation, and that he behaved formidably. He feels very satisfied with Bryan and proud of his own team, who did a great job taking care of him. They didn’t need to use any drugs with Bryan, they just tried to interact with him to avoid aberrant attitudes.

Monkey World began 20 years ago helping the government stop the importation of primates who were used as attractions. They have been working with 15 different countries that want to stop this kind of smuggling. Monkey World is a park of 40 hectares opened to the public and receives 500.000 visitors every year. Is through this visits that they obtain the resources for their operation.

Xcaret is the favorite eco-archaeological park of the Mexican Caribbean and the only place in the world where is possible to feel Mexico’s nature and culture at their best. Underground Rivers, Swims with Dolphins, Snorkeling, Snuba, Sea Trek; Mayan culture, archaeological sites, tours and cultural exhibitions like the unparalleled Xcaret México Espectacular night show, and the chance to admire and learn about the exuberant species of the region; all these is to be lived in Xcaret, where development, conservation, culture and entertainment are not opposite concepts. A park for the family and people of all ages that was conceived as an ideal of natural beauty that would satisfy the need that we all have to return to nature. Xcaret receives annually one million visitors.

We are sure that these actions will help this endangered species, and it is a tangible proof of the support and love that we can offer to the abused animals.

For further information, please visit www.xcaret.com

DTS, S.C.

DTS, S.C.

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