Macaque and Monkey Welfare in Research

Macaques are the most widely used non-human primates in biomedical research, raising ongoing welfare questions about their use and housing.

Key Facts

Rhesus and cynomolgus macaques account for the majority of primate research use globally
Social isolation in individual housing causes documented psychological harm in macaques
Pair and group housing significantly improves welfare without compromising most research protocols
Macaques farmed for research in Southeast Asia face welfare and conservation concerns
The development of organoid and computer models is beginning to reduce macaque use in some areas

Welfare Considerations

Macaques in research experience welfare challenges that stem from both the procedures performed and the housing conditions common in facilities. Social isolation — historically the default for research macaques — causes psychological suffering in animals that evolved as complex social primates. The growing adoption of pair and group housing, while not solving all welfare problems, represents meaningful improvement. The continued development of alternatives to primate research is a long-term welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Support regulatory requirements for social housing of research macaques
Donate to alternatives development research reducing primate use
Advocate for adoption of pair housing standards in primate research facilities
Support policy frameworks that create mandatory review of primate research uses
Engage with the ethics of primate research in public science policy discussions