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The hinges of the heavy metal door screech as two of WSPA's rescuers slowly pull it open. Inside, the trusting eyes of seven chimps blink back at them as sunlight streams into their windowless compartment. Though they don't know it yet, the chimps have finally won their freedom after years of captive anguish. One by one, the chimps climb out into the arms of their rescuers.

This release is the result of months of delicate negotiations between WSPA and the chimps' owner, a former circus animal trainer who had been keeping them inside of a trailer with no sunlight, fresh air and very little food.

The chimps were transferred to Spain's only chimp sanctuary, called the Mona Foundation.

Through the help of WSPA supporters, large, natural enclosures so that the chimps could live in groups in a natural environment. Now the chimps wander at will, exploring climbing towers, strolling through a grassy field, and even splashing at the edge of a small pond.

Most of us were close to tears as we watched them scamper through the grass, climb wooden frames and lie in the sun. It was the first time they had enjoyed freedom in their entire lives.