Chimpanzees once used for vaccine research receive health checks in Liberia

Chimpanzees once used in laboratory hepatitis B vaccine experiments have received health checks at their new home in Liberia, where their caregivers hope to give them a second chance at a normal life.

The West African chimpanzees underwent a range of examinations at the Humane World for Animals’ Second Chance Chimpanzee Refuge in central Liberia. The checks included teeth cleaning, X-rays and pedicures.

Liliana Pacheco Ricote, the sanctuary’s director, described the care to The Associated Press. The animals had previously been involved in experiments linked to hepatitis B vaccines before moving to the Liberian refuge.