Primate research remains a significant welfare concern despite its relatively small scale compared to rodent use. Understanding current practices, welfare improvements, and the push for alternatives contextualizes ongoing advocacy.
Non-human primate research welfare has improved substantially with the end of chimpanzee research and mandatory social housing requirements. Macaques, the dominant research primate, are now typically housed in social groups or pairs rather than alone — a significant welfare improvement given their social nature. Psychological wellbeing programs — enrichment, positive reinforcement training for voluntary participation in procedures, access to novel stimuli — are increasingly required components of primate care. The remaining welfare challenges include the inherent stress of captivity in highly intelligent, wide-ranging animals, and the invasive procedures required for some research questions. The replacement trajectory is clear but slow: brain organoids and AI-driven research tools are reducing some primate research needs, but regulatory validation for alternatives takes years.