Primate Welfare in Research and Sanctuaries

Non-human primates are used in biomedical research globally and retired to sanctuaries. Their welfare in both contexts is governed by complex ethical frameworks and practical challenges.

Key Facts

Around 70,000 non-human primates are used in research annually in the EU
Great apes are banned from research in most Western countries but macaques, marmosets, and baboons continue to be used
Primates used in research show long-lasting psychological trauma including PTSD-like symptoms after invasive procedures
Retirement to sanctuary is increasingly standard for research primates — over 1,000 are retired annually in the US
Sanctuary primates require careful social integration, as many have never lived in natural group conditions
Chimpanzees retired from biomedical research may take years to develop normal social behaviour in sanctuary conditions

Welfare Considerations

Primates used in invasive biomedical research experience acute welfare harms from procedures and chronic harms from confinement in laboratory conditions typically far below what their social and cognitive needs require. PTSD-like symptoms including self-injury, stereotypic behaviour, and social withdrawal are documented in ex-laboratory primates and persist into sanctuary life. The ethical justification for using primates in research — that the scientific benefits outweigh the individual welfare costs — is increasingly questioned as better alternatives develop. Sanctuary care for retired laboratory primates requires specialised expertise and long-term commitment given their potential 40-60 year lifespans.

What You Can Do

Support the development and adoption of non-animal alternatives to replace primate research
Donate to primate sanctuary organisations providing lifetime care for retired research animals
Advocate for mandatory retirement-to-sanctuary policies for all research primates
Learn about the Three Rs (Replace, Reduce, Refine) framework and support its application to primate research