Non-human primates used in biomedical research have complex social and psychological needs that create significant welfare challenges in laboratory settings.
Non-human primates are cognitively sophisticated animals with complex social needs. Individual housing, which remains common in some research contexts, prevents social interaction that primates require for psychological health. The resulting isolation stress produces abnormal behaviors including self-biting and stereotypic movement. Pair or group housing, environmental enrichment programs, and positive reinforcement training for cooperative care procedures represent the welfare frontier for primate research. The 3Rs framework demands continued movement toward replacing primate use with alternatives.