REDEMPTION |
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Home (DENKmal-Film) |
At the far end of Austria, right on the Czech border is one of the most special places on earth. As under a magnifying glass the moral challenges of our civilization are meeting here: guilt, responsibility and redemption. 40 chimpanzees are living in an overgrown former safari park, hermetically sealed off from the rest of the world. They are the survivors of the former laboratory of Immuno, a pharmaceutical company. Infected with HIV and hepatitis viruses. Traumatized, confused, and highly aggressive. They hate men and have every reason to do so. With them are four nurses. Some of them were their former care takers at the labs. More than 20 years ago, at the age of 17, Renate and Annemarie began their training as animal nurses. Both of them grew up on Austrian farms and this was their dream job. |
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At the same time a political thriller emerged concerning experimental chimpanzee. In 1973, the conservation agreement was ratified in Washington. Austria's accession would make the further import of wild animals impossible. Was it consideration for the interests of the largest pharmaceutical company in the country that Austria delayed the accession for almost 10 years and finally joined in 1986 as 74th country? |
Renate and Annemarie and other keepers and experts now took care of the traumatized animals. The task of the crew was to introduce the mentally and physically tortured animals to a life where they can socialize in small groups.
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Then, in 2005 disaster strikes. The arduously initiated rehabilitation program seems to come to an end. The safari park company is bankrupt. The chimpanzees become bankruptcy estate and with them the nurses and experts. Many have to leave the project. Month by month, the remaining team works in uncertainty on the deserted safari park. Finally, after years of struggle, the animal protection company "Aiderbichl" takes over the compound in 2010. |
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The survival of the chimps is secured. Socialization remains a tedious process accompanied by dramatic setbacks and heart-warming success. The first finger tip can result in tender embracement or end fatally.
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At the beginning of 2012 the care takers’ dream comes true: After elaborate construction work 4 meter high, electrified concrete walls frame a compound. |
What looks like a prison from outside means a lot to the chimps. For the first time since their imprisonment they will be able to see the sky above, feel wind, rain and sun and actually walk on grass. |
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But are they still capable of accepting such a new world?
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