ALMERE, The Netherlands and VILLENA, Spain, November 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dutch AAP Foundation officially opens a new rescue centre today in Spain called AAP Primadomus. Dr. Jane Goodall, a campaigner for chimpanzees, will host the opening ceremony, with guests attending from all over Europe. Primadomus is situated in Villena, approximately fifty kilometers West of Alicante.

With the opening of the Primadomus rescue centre, AAP aims to increase its support for government institutions throughout Europe and assist in enforcing animal welfare laws. AAP has been looking forward to opening of AAP Primadomus for a long time. After years of building and preparation, the rescue centre will offer a permanent residence for chimpanzees and other primates that have no place else to go.

Hundreds of primates and other exotic mammals throughout Europe are living in appalling circumstances. AAP cooperates with government institutions and other animal welfare organizations to rescue these animals. AAP's rescue centre in Almere, the Netherlands, does not provide enough space to house all the animals that need shelter. Furthermore, once the animals at AAP have been resocialized, it is not always possible to find suitable outplacement adresses such as renowned zoos or sanctuaries. The opening of Primadomus gives AAP extra possibilities to give discarded monkeys a permanent home.

Among the speakers at the opening ceremony are Dr. Jane Goodall, who will reveal a commemorative plaque to celebrate the opening of Primadomus, the mayor of Villena, Celia Lledo and David van Gennep, director of AAP Foundation. The mayor of Villena will also be presented with a commemorative plaque to mark the opening of a natural education centre just outside AAP Primadomus. The guests will also get to see how the ten 'Donkey's group' chimpanzees are enjoying their new environment. The guests include some of AAP's financial donors and representatives of other animal organizations such as IFAW and WSPA.

Earlier this month, ten chimpanzees known as 'Donkey's group' were the first inhabitants to move to Primadomus. These chimps were rescued from circuses, unscrupulous zoos and private owners. In AAP Primadomus, they can enjoy the peace and space that this centre has to offer. Primadomus will eventually offer permanent housing to approximately 150 animals from around Europe.

SOURCE Stichting AAP