Laboratory Animals

Macaque Use in Research and Welfare Standards

Macaques are used in neurological and vaccine research; their cognitive complexity demands high welfare standards and active harm reduction.

Key Facts

Over 100,000 macaques are used in research globally each year
Social isolation in macaques causes psychological deterioration
COVID-19 vaccine development relied heavily on macaque models
The Three Rs framework calls for reduction and refinement of macaque use

Welfare Considerations

Macaques are highly intelligent social primates with complex emotional and cognitive lives. Laboratory housing often fails to meet their social needs. Single-housing is particularly harmful. Best practice involves social housing, environmental enrichment, positive reinforcement training, and active monitoring of psychological wellbeing alongside physical health.

What You Can Do

Support development of human-relevant research alternatives
Advocate for mandatory social housing standards for laboratory primates
Donate to organizations funding alternatives to primate research
Engage with regulatory processes for strengthening primate welfare standards