Sanctuaries housing former research primates face complex welfare challenges in transitioning animals from laboratory conditions to appropriate social and physical environments.
Former research primates often carry lasting psychological trauma from years of isolation and experimental procedures. Socializing animals that missed critical developmental periods for social learning requires exceptional expertise and patience. Some animals never achieve full social integration. This permanent welfare cost of research use makes the ethical case for investment in replacement methods even stronger when long-term sanctuary costs are included in the accounting.