WHY don't readers beat the Christmas queues and instead go online to adopt an ex-lab monkey for those "hard to buy for" people?

A unique scheme organised by the BUAV (British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection), means that for the first time, they can adopt a monkey rescued from an animal testing laboratory. Fifty macaque monkeys were discovered in tiny barren cages in a research laboratory in Thailand when the BUAV were visiting to make presentations on non-animal testing techniques. Their safety was secured and they were released into a rescue sanctuary.

Today they have access to trees and ponds with enough space to forage, play and socialise. Money raised by the scheme ensures their life-long care and helps the BUAV campaign to end primate testing, bringing hope to the 2,792 monkeys in EU and UK laboratories.

Adopting a monkey costs £24 per year and the adoptive parent receives a photo of their chosen monkey, a personal adoption certificate, regular progress updates and a 10-inch toy monkey.

To adopt an ex-lab money, please call 020 7700 48888 or email monkeys@buav.org

ADOLFO SANSOLINI, Chief Executive, BUAV.