Kenya Airways halts contract for transporting monkeys to US
Kenyan carrier Kenya Airways has terminated a contract in which it was mandated to transport monkeys from Mauritius to the US for scientific research.
The Kenyan media Business Daily reported that Kenya Airways opted not to renew its contract with a Mauritius breeding firm after hundreds of monkeys spilt on the Pennsylvania highway, USA, as they were being transported to the laboratory on Friday. The unfortunate incident happened after a truck crashed.
“We will not renew the contract that expires at the end of February,” said Michael Joseph, the KQ Chairman Michael Joseph as he addressed Business Daily.
Mr Joseph’s announcement was triggered by an uproar from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) US, who lashed at the harsh treatment of the animals following the incident that happened when the monkeys left John F. Kennedy International Airport. The group wrote to the KQ’s CEO Allan Kilavuka asking the company to observe animal rights. Mr Kilavuka responded by saying that the carrier had opted not to renew its contract with a Mauritius breeding farm.
“Kenya Airways’ decision is important for all of us because the global transportation of monkeys also risks the possibility of emerging infectious diseases,” said PETA Vice President Dr Alka Chandna, as he applauded the non-renewal of the deal.
