| "Can we ignore our animals, the animals that have served us so selflessly?" |
|
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
from an unpublished speech |
Five-year old Brian Beller has been blind since birth. Until last year, when the eyes of Monchichi, an aging Brazilian chimp, were given to him. Young Brian now has the gift of sight. Unfortunately, Monchichi does not.
At the Institute of Animal Studies, we believe that the days of animal testing have long since drawn to a close, and now it is our turn to care for our fellow creatures. Millions of needy animals could greatly benefit from a new kidney, a spare lung, or a human eye.
Here are just a few ways that the IAS helped disadvantaged animals last year.
- A young zebra received a new tail made of human tissue and synthetic fibres.
- A family of gorillas received human skin grafts after severe burns from a forest fire.
- A housecat received human "hair plugs" to augment her ailing fur. She now looks vibrant and healthy.
- An emphysematic egret received not one but two human lungs, affixed by steel casing around the bird's torso.
- Three basset hounds received face lifts, thanks to the generous donations of an L.A. plastic surgeon.
- A grateful llama received a human brain. Although it was eventually rejected, the beast's life was prolonged by two weeks.
We encourage both monetary and bodily contributions. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, organs, limbs, hair, tissue, skin, and fluids. And remember, your contribution weighing over one pound is tax-deductible.
