International Primate Protection League founder and director Shirley McGreal was awarded the Order of the British Empire in December 2007 for her longstanding commitment to protecting primates. As one of the highest honors that can be bestowed to an individual by the Queen of England, the Order of the British Empire observes “distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service and work with charitable and welfare organizations of all kinds.” Dr. McGreal, involved in primate rescue since the early 1970s, is known for uncovering illicit trade in primates and doggedly pushing for prosecution of the perpetrators.