Welfare of Capuchins and Marmosets in Research

Small primates used in research face unique welfare challenges given their high cognitive and social needs.

Key Facts

Common marmosets have become increasingly used in neuroscience and infectious disease research
Capuchins are used in studies of manual dexterity and social cognition
Both species require complex social groups and environmental enrichment for adequate welfare
Cognitive complexity in these species makes research procedures more welfare-costly

Welfare Considerations

Marmosets and capuchins used in biomedical research have cognitive and social needs that create serious welfare challenges in research settings. Marmosets — increasingly used as genetically tractable primate models — are highly social animals that suffer from isolation. Research procedures including stereotaxic surgery and chronic implant studies impose high welfare costs on animals with complex inner lives. The scientific community is under growing pressure to develop non-primate alternatives, particularly as the cognitive complexity of these species is better understood and their welfare needs better characterized.

What You Can Do

Support investment in non-primate research alternatives for primate-dependent studies
Advocate for complex social housing requirements for all captive marmosets and capuchins
Engage with research institutions about their small primate welfare commitments
Support independent scientific panels reviewing the necessity of primate use in specific research programs