What Nemley Jr's death means for fight to protect chimps
- 29 June 2017
- From the section Science & Environment
The death of the baby chimpanzee Nemley Jr, rescued from wildlife traffickers only to fade away in a zoo in Ivory Coast, has provoked outrage.
And after a BBC investigation that lasted more than a year, those of us involved in the work are finding his loss upsetting and also incredibly frustrating.
In the wild, infant chimps have a poor survival record. And youngsters rescued from traffickers have endured the trauma of losing their mothers and then being thrust into the unfamiliar world of humans, so many of them do not make it either.
In his last few weeks, Nemley Jr was given intensive care and dedicated support, so who or what is to blame for his shocking demise, and how best to save endangered animals such as chimpanzees from extinction?
This long and sad story involves the harsh economics of the black market, the corroding influence of corruption, and the impact on the natural world of the mass consumption of which we are all a part.
Read full article What Nemley Jr's death means for fight to protect chimps
Nemley Junior: chimp rescued from traffickers dies
- 28 June 2017
- From the section Science & Environment
An orphaned baby chimpanzee whose plight moved people around the world has died.
Nemley junior had been seized by poachers in West Africa and offered for sale but was then rescued following a BBC News investigation.
Read full article Nemley Junior: chimp rescued from traffickers dies
Ivory Coast jail sentences for chimpanzee traffickers
- 9 June 2017
- From the section Africa
Two men have been sentenced to six months in prison in the first case of wildlife trafficking brought in Ivory Coast.
An Ivorian government lawyer said the judgement "sends a signal" that animal trafficking is being taken seriously.
Read full article Ivory Coast jail sentences for chimpanzee traffickers
Open Sesame: Science centre unveiled in Jordan
- 22 May 2017
- From the section Science & Environment
Image copyright
KATE STEPHENS
In a rare show of unity in the Middle East, an advanced research centre to be shared by the troubled region has opened in Jordan.
Despite political tensions and rows, countries usually hostile to each other are jointly supporting the venture.
Read full article Open Sesame: Science centre unveiled in Jordan
Climate change could transform gardens
- 26 April 2017
- From the section Science & Environment
Artificial lawns, plants from arid countries and flower beds designed to cope with floods are among future features of UK gardens outlined in a major new report.
As the world warms and weather patterns shift, the study by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) concludes that British gardens will need to adapt.
Renewables' deep-sea mining conundrum
- 11 April 2017
- From the section Science & Environment
British scientists exploring an underwater mountain in the Atlantic Ocean have discovered a treasure trove of rare minerals.
Their investigation of a seamount more than 500km (300 miles) from the Canary Islands has revealed a crust of "astonishingly rich" rock.
Arrests 'big step' in chimp trade battle
- 9 March 2017
- From the section Science & Environment
A series of dramatic arrests of notorious wildlife traffickers is being hailed as "one big step" against the illegal trade in baby chimpanzees.
Last weekend one of the most prolific animal dealers in West Africa was found and detained in Guinea.
Is there a way to tackle air pollution?
- 6 March 2017
- From the section Science & Environment
The search for solutions to the threat of polluted air is generating ideas that range from the modest to the radical to the bizarre.
A London primary school may issue face-masks to its pupils. The council in Cornwall may take the extreme step of moving people out of houses beside the busiest roads.
Our changing attitudes to chimpanzees
- 2 February 2017
- From the section Science & Environment
Image copyright
ZOOM DOSSO/AFP/Getty Images
The BBC's revelations about the illegal trade in baby chimpanzees triggered an outpouring of emotion on social media about the cruelty suffered by these adorable animals
And this raises questions about how our attitudes to our closest relations in the natural world have changed.
UK nuclear fusion lab faces uncertain future
- 29 November 2016
- From the section Science & Environment
Image copyright
CCFE
A question mark hangs over a world-leading laboratory that has pioneered research into fusion for nearly 40 years.
The Culham Centre for Fusion Energy near Oxford is largely funded by the EU and dozens of its scientists come from outside the UK.
Read full article UK nuclear fusion lab faces uncertain future
