[gatagato]

If this doesn't make your eyes mist up a little, there might be something wrong with you.

RTL, a German television station, provided this tearjerking footage of lab chimps taking their first steps of freedom outdoors and into the sun.
It's in German, but we can gather that this was the first time the animals had ever been let loose in natural daylight.
Feel-good footage aside, the use of chimps in research has long been a hot-button issue.
A few months ago, 180 chimpanzees at a federal primate facility in New Mexico were the subject of a debate between the National Institutes of Health and animal-rights activists, who wanted the chimps to be released to a sanctuary where they could run free.
But no matter which side you're on, watching the pure joy in these animal's faces is sure to leave you in a good mood.

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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/0..._n_948639.html

[Faline]

Love how they hug each other as they come out the door

[kellyhound]

Finally they can enjoy the fresh air and sun.
after 30 years

[WindBag]

I wish we did not have to do this stuff to animals. glad those poor guys could have some fun.

[icheerthebull]

Good stuff

[Illusion]

Awww <3

[**butterflylove**]

poor animals

[Warack60]

This is a German video of lab chimps being released outside for the 1st time in their lives. Sorry its in german.
<iframe width="560" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Nr3KDFKKqy0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[smackem]

Beautiful creatures.

[Black Knight]

Very cool. I still find it amazing that we use our closest relatives for experiments.

Chimps not only share 99% of the same DNA but many of the same characteristics with humans like tool making, murder, war, etc.