Nonhuman Primate Welfare in the Research Environment

Nonhuman primates in research environments provide special challenges for discussions of animal welfare. Captive nonhuman primates are extremely intelligent and capable animals, and few, if any, research environments can duplicate their natural conditions. However, there are numerous ways to functionally simulate critical aspects of the natural environment in captivity, thereby stimulating species-typical behavior patterns in captive primates. Evidence suggests that primate subjects that display many species-typical behavior patterns have enhanced welfare. Behavioral management techniques, including socialization strategies, environmental enrichment, and positive reinforcement training are used to provide primates in research environments with opportunities to control aspects of their environments and to make meaningful choices, in some cases, even facilitating participation in their own care. Such techniques typically not only enhance the primates' welfare, but also improve the quality and utility of the animals as research models by minimizing confounding influences.