Research Animals

Macaque Welfare in Research and Tourism

Macaques are used extensively in biomedical research and exploited in tourist shows, raising serious welfare concerns.

Key Facts

Long-tailed macaques are the most widely used primates in research
They are highly social and suffer significantly from isolation
Forced performance in shows involves aversive training methods
Macaque research involves procedures causing pain and psychological distress

Welfare Considerations

Macaques used in research are often housed individually despite their intensely social nature, causing chronic psychological suffering. Training macaques for tourist performances frequently involves physical punishment, food deprivation, and unnatural postures causing musculoskeletal problems. Both uses compromise welfare substantially.

What You Can Do

Support alternatives to macaque use in biomedical research
Refuse to attend shows featuring performing monkeys
Advocate for group housing as standard in primate research
Support legislation protecting primates from entertainment exploitation