NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

January 2026

Humane Student Jasmine Wang-Jethi (L) and Humane Educator Stacey Frankenstein-Markon (R)

Rewarding Excellence in Humane Science Education

We are happy to share that AAVS’s Animalearn division has announced its 2025 Humane Student of the Year and Humane Science Educator of the Year, recognizing their compassion for animals and their commitment to incorporating humane science in the classroom. Eight other teachers and students received honorable mentions.

Jasmine Wang-Jethi, a student at Amador Valley High School in California, is the Humane Student of the Year. Jasmine is being recognized for her dedication to a campaign focused on providing alternatives to animal dissection at her school through the collaborative efforts of Animalearn and the New Roots Institute, a youth-focused advocacy organization supporting student-led campaigns for animal protection.

"I was raised to value all life and to treat animals with respect,” said Jasmine. “Dissecting the carcasses of animals, under the guise of education, directly opposes what I believe in, especially when there are many viable alternatives that many are not aware of."

Stacey Frankenstein-Markon of Oshkosh North High School in Wisconsin has been named Animalearn’s Humane Science Educator of the Year for her commitment to creating a compassionate classroom environment for students and animals alike. Describing her teaching style, a colleague stated that Stacey “models compassion, scientific integrity, and thoughtful stewardship every day.”

“In a world where hands-on models, technology, and dissection alternatives are becoming more readily available, there is absolutely no reason why educators cannot offer students dissection alternatives that promote high-quality education, ecological sustainability, and empathy towards all life,” said Stacey. “At the end of the day, students will reach the same educational outcomes in a way allowing them voice and choice.”

Humane science education and Animalearn’s work are important parts of AAVS’s mission to end the use of animals in science, as they help to provide an environment to nurture today’s students so they can grow up to be compassionate scientists.

MORE ANIMALEARN!

Other News

Charles River Acquires Cambodian Monkey Supplier

Charles River Laboratories (CRL) has announced the $510 million acquisition of K.F. (Cambodia) Ltd., a major supplier of long-tailed macaques. Cambodian authorities have accused K.F. of illegal wildlife trading. Since 2020, CRL—by far the largest user of primates in the U.S.—has obtained over 10,000 long-tailed macaques from K.F. CRL, which was subpoenaed by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2023 during an investigation regarding the alleged smuggling of long-tailed macaques into the U.S., says that the purchase of K.F. will help it control the supply of macaques for research. AAVS will monitor this situation, as it will likely lead to reduced transparency and increased use of primates in experiments.

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EPA to Phase Out Testing on Mammals

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced it will resume the phasing out of chemical testing on mammals (e.g., dogs, rabbits, rats, mice) by 2035. While welcome news, birds and fish, who are often subjected to environmental toxicity experiments, are not mammals, so their use can continue under this newly announced policy. To achieve its goals, EPA may need to adapt regulations, validate alternative methods, and ensure changes will still meet regulatory safety requirements.

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SANCTUARY MOMENT

Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust

Pal by LizMunroBridges; Twampanee Community School Students by Chimfunshi; Community involvement by Chimfunshi

Meet Chimfunshi

We want to introduce one of our new Sanctuary Fund grant recipients, Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust. Located in Zambia, in south-central Africa, Chimfunshi is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating chimpanzees and other wildlife and to working with local communities to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation. It is one of the oldest and largest sanctuaries for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. Chimfunshi’s efforts started in 1983, when David and Sheila Siddle took in a baby chimpanzee named Pal, who had been badly injured by poachers. They nursed Pal back to health, and soon other orphaned chimpanzees were brought to the Siddles. This marked the beginning of Chimfunshi’s mission to provide care and sanctuary for chimpanzees in need.

Now home to about 150 chimpanzees—including some used in research—as well as other animals, Chimfunshi is a vital part of its surrounding communities. It has also established the Twampanee Community School for area children that includes a feeding program, science lab, computer room, library, and playground, helping to ensure students get the best education possible. It also provides community access to clean water stations, community events to promote conservation, and teaches sustainable agriculture to provide healthy food for animals at the sanctuary and nearby families.

AAVS is thrilled to support Chimfunshi and is inspired by its important work. We hope you are, too!

MORE ABOUT CHIMFUNSHI!