Dr. McGreal's deserved honor

Royal recognition is nothing out of the ordinary for Shirley McGreal. Her sanctuary for primates in Summerville and her work to combat the illegal trafficking in threatened species have earned her international renown and a letter-writing friendship with Britain's Prince Philip. But she was bowled over when she learned recently that she was to be honored by his wife, Queen Elizabeth II. She doesn't think that the prince put a word in for her and tells us she doesn't know how she was chosen to be an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's New Year's Honors List. It is one of the highest honors that the monarch can bestow on an individual.

Modesty prevented her from acknowledging that her work to protect primates speaks for itself.

Shirley McGreal founded the International Primate Protection League more than 30 years ago and has devoted her life to a cause that is a labor of love. Her sanctuary in Summerville is currently home to 38 primates whose lives she has helped to save, often putting herself at risk.

Combating animal smugglers, as Prince Philip wrote in a letter of congratulation, "is a very dangerous business and it takes real courage to collect evidence, track smugglers and bring illegal dealers to justice."

International Primate Protection League Secretary Jean Martin tells us that "getting a primate export ban in India was a highlight of Shirley's work and enabled many animals to remain exactly where they should be — living wild and free and not in laboratories. Shirley has a special love of gibbons. Her gibbon facility is wonderfully maintained and well-staffed."

Reporter Diane Knich, who interviewed Dr. McGreal for a front-page story published this week, noted that the British-born but longtime Summerville resident treats her gibbons "like royalty." Although accustomed to communicating with Prince Philip, Dr. McGreal seems a little in awe at the prospect of the investiture at Buckingham Palace, when she will have to walk backward and curtsy. But she admires the queen and notes that they have a love of animals in common. Just don't expect to see one of Dr. McGreal's primates at the ceremony. The queen also is a stickler for tradition.