Abstract
Chimpanzees have been widely used in the field of experimental medicine because of their phylogenic affinity to human beings. Natural populations of the ape continue to decrease and an inconsistency between “Protection” and “Use” is coming to the front. For instance, about 150 chimpanzees have been used for research on hepatitis B in Japan recently, and most of these were obtained in the wild. The breeding of chimpanzees in captivity is going well around the world, and some facilities are beginning the control of chimpanzee breeding now. It is necessary to establish a responsible raising system for chimpanzees throughout their entire life span, considering both the characteristics of this species as an experimental animal, and the rise in social consciousness concerning animal welfare.
