Non-human primates used in biomedical research have complex social and psychological needs that demand the highest welfare standards and ongoing scrutiny of research justifications.
Primates in research settings are capable of sophisticated cognitive and emotional experiences, making welfare failures particularly concerning. Isolation causes profound psychological harm. Best practice guidelines require social housing, species-appropriate enrichment, and careful monitoring for abnormal behaviors. The Three Rs framework and growing alternatives to primate research are reducing but not eliminating use.