"Chimpanzees have been crucial for conducting research that has led to important advances in human health," according an NIH statement on the decision to move the chimps.

Not only do animal activist disagree, even politicians like New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson are getting involved.

"Leave the chimps there. Let them be retired. They've already gone through a lot of experiments," said Richardson.

As KFOX reported, there's a separate facility in Alamogordo, just six miles down the road, called Save the Chimps, where dozens of apes share the same story of testing and experiments, but are rescued and transferred to a sanctuary in Florida. Save the Chimps declined to comment on the operation done by the NIH.

But some people aren't so reserved to give their opinion.

"I think the experiments on them are cruel. They're not right," said Richardson.

But the NIH insist research is not only needed but done with caution.

"NCRR takes responsibility for the welfare of its animals very seriously, and the use of animals in research is highly regulated at the federal and local institutional levels," said a written statement.

"I don't know if we'll win, but we're going to give it a good fight. The fight is not over," said Richardson.

Richardson is also upset because 40 jobs are at stake in Alamogordo once the chimps are moved. A bill has been introduced to Congress to phase out research of government-owned chimps.