Let out chimpanzee Regina from her prison

Seventeen years ago at the age of one chimpanzee Regina became part of the Lithuanian circus group  "Azuolyno meskuciu cirkas". She entertained the spectators, was photographed with tourists on the see bridge in Palanga, she amused children during various festivals.

In spite of that when Regina grew up and animal instincts emerged herlife became a daily prison. For six years now Regina has been kept in a cage in the basement of a house. The cage is not properly adapted for animals of this kind. Six long years without a possibility to go outside and see the daylight. Six years spent in a dark, unventilated basement in a little bed surrounded by bars. This is the everyday life of chimpanzee Regina, the former "circus entertainer".

All these years The Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania as well as The State Food and Veterinary Service (SFVS) were aware of the existence of this animal yet they chose to be blind and ignore the information regarding the cruel environment that Regina was kept in. In February of 2011 representatives of The Lithuanian Animal Welfare Charity "Pifas" contacted The Ministry of Environment asking for immediate intervention. The ministry was asked to find the legal means to confiscate chimpanzee Regina and let her be transferred to a special reservoir for chimpanzees in Holland where she would receive all the needed attention in the suited environment. Since the director of the circus Nikolajus Zobovas does not want to give Regina up, the Ministry of Environment was in no hurry to prepare the documents required for her confiscation. This was done only when Regina was seized in court as the property of Mr. Zobovas. This restriction is the only thing which is preventing the Ministry of Environment from confiscating Regina from Mr. Zobovas. In order for Regina to be transferred to Holland she needs to get the required vaccinations and have a microchip placed. When the representatives from "Pifas" together with the veterinarian came to carry out these procedures they were stopped by the Ministry of Environment. The Ministry, as the main institution, which should be concerned with the well being of this animal, is employing all the means possible to prevent Regina from being freed and are allowing her to be kept in a prison in the basement.

We invite everyone who is concerned with the fate of this animal to sign the petition and help free Regina the chimpanzee.