Book Review - "The Great Ape Project"

This book is a compilation of viewpoints written by internationally acclaimed writers, including primatologists, philosophers, scientists and field researchers. Each individual contributed an essay describing their thoughts as to why the "Great Apes" (gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans) should be granted the same protections and rights bequeathed to men and women.

While it is a controversial subject, it is nonetheless well worth considering. People are also "apes" in the biological world. Who is to say we, as humans, deserve to be protected more than others species. This is especially true in regards to invasive research experimentation done on all animals except humans. Are we really guardians of all when some of us are allowed to perform deliberate painful experiments on animals, who have no means to say "Stop"?

Thirty four authors want you to question the "morality" that is lacking in the way great apes are treated (or mistreated) in our world today. A "Declaration on Great Apes" modeled after the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights is presented in its entirety here. "The Great Ape Project" strives to be a political manifesto; its goals including "The Right To Life", "The Protection of Individual Liberty" and "The Prohibition of Torture" for every single non-human great ape.

The book is filled with information that leads one to take its premise seriously. Some of the essays are a bit dry but the essence of the book is clear. Anyone who cares at all about any species other than humans will gain new insight into the world beyond our own human life. We would do well to start realizing that we are not the only ones capable of emotion, elation, pain and suffering. We should also be ready to stand up for a cause that promotes compassion and consideration for other species too. Take the time to read this book and you will come away with new insights you won't regret.

If you are interested in learning more about The Great Ape Project, here is the URL for their site: "http://www.enviroweb.org/gap"

("GAPNews," a newsletter / action alert service for people who are interested in the campaign to grant moral and legal status to non-human great apes. Along with articles and other newsy information, "GAPNews" will notify you of action alerts, opinion polls, and other opportunities to directly assist non-human great apes who are in trouble.

Order The Great Ape Project : Equality Beyond Humanity by Paola Cavalieri (Editor), Peter Singer (Editor)

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