Primates used in biomedical research have complex social and cognitive needs that require specialized welfare provisions beyond those needed for rodents and other species.
Laboratory primate welfare presents some of the most complex challenges in the 3Rs framework. These are cognitively sophisticated, highly social animals whose needs far exceed those of rodents or rabbits. Social housing, cognitive enrichment, species-appropriate diet, and positive training for procedures are all recognized welfare requirements. The trend toward more complex and naturalistic housing for laboratory primates reflects growing recognition that meeting behavioral needs also produces more consistent research results - a case where welfare and science quality align.