Animal Ethics

Macaque Research: Welfare Advances in Primate Facilities

Non-human primates — particularly macaques — are used in neurological and pharmaceutical research. Welfare improvements have substantially improved their lives while maintaining scientific productivity.

Key Facts

Approximately 65,000 macaques are used in research globally each year
Group housing has replaced single housing in most leading facilities following evidence of welfare benefits
Environmental enrichment including foraging devices and climbing structures is now standard in accredited facilities
Training macaques to cooperate with procedures reduces stress compared to restraint-based approaches
NC3Rs guidance has improved housing standards globally for laboratory macaques

Welfare Considerations

Single housing of social primates causes profound welfare harm — macaques are highly social and isolation produces depression, self-injurious behavior, and abnormal development. Group housing requires more management but delivers dramatically better welfare outcomes. Cooperative training — where animals voluntarily present for procedures — eliminates restraint stress and improves data quality simultaneously.

What You Can Do

Support NC3Rs primate refinement programs and research
Advocate for group housing requirements in primate research facilities globally
Donate to Alternatives Research and Development Foundation
Engage with published welfare standards to understand what responsible primate research looks like