Primates used in biomedical research experience complex social and cognitive needs that are difficult to meet in laboratory conditions, creating significant welfare challenges.
Non-human primates have sophisticated emotional, social, and cognitive lives. Laboratory housing that restricts social contact, movement, and behavioral expression causes chronic stress, depression-like states, and self-harm. Welfare science demonstrates that social housing, enrichment, and positive reinforcement training can significantly reduce these harms while maintaining research validity.