Bibliography on Refinement and Environmental Enrichment for Primates. Enrichment 5-9
(5) Promoting
Arboreal Behavior
(5,1) The Importance
of Access to Vertical Dimension of Space
Bernstein IS, Draper WA 1964. The behaviour of juvenile rhesus
monkeys in groups. Animal Behaviour 12, 84-91
Subjects spent 48%-72% of the time in the upper one-third of
the compound.
Bloomsmith MA, Lambeth SP, Haberstroh MD 1999. Chimpanzee use
of enclosures. American Journal of Primatology 49, 36
Group-housed chimpanzees spent 43% of their time off the ground.
Buchanan-Smith HM 1991. A field study on the red-bellied tamarin,
Saguinus l. labiatus, in Boliva. International Journal
of Primatology 12, 259-276
Tamarins spent 90% of their time in the upper half of their
186 cm-high cages when observations were made from a hide.
Clarence WM, Scott JP, Dorris MC,
Paré M 2006. Use of enclosures with functional vertical
space by captive Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) involved
in biomedical research. JAALAS [Contemporary Topics in Laboratory
Animal Science] 45(5), 31-34
"The monkeys visited more often and occupied for longer
time regions at or above human eye level [perches and top home
cage] than lower regions." The total percentage of time spent
in the top home cage was found to be significantly greater than
in the bottom home cage."
European Commission 2002. The Welfare of Non-human Primates
- Report of the Scientific Committe on Animal Health and Animal
Welfare. European Commission, Strasbourg, France
http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/sc/scah/out83_en.pdf
"Enclosures for nonhuman primates should be equipped with
one or more elevated resting surfaces (to a postion higher than
the level at which they perceive threatening factors, e.g., humans)
and installed in such a way that an animal can sit on them comfortably.
Perches or shelves should be provided in all cages. Arboreal species
should be given adequate vertcial space to allow the expression
of normal locomotry behaviour. Primates should not be placed in
double-tiered caging unless the arrangement permits adequate vertical
movement for the animal."
Goff C, Howell SM, Fritz J, Nankivell B 1994. Space use and
proximity of captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) mother/offspring
pairs. Zoo Biology 13, 61-68
"Results confirmed the importance of vertical cage dimension
and suggested the provision of horizontal substrates above the
enclosure floor is important."
Home Office 1989. Animals
(Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Code of Practice for the Housing
and Care of Animals Used in Scientific Procedures. Her
Majesty's Stationery Office, London
"The use of space by primates means that cage volume is
important. Virtually all show a vertical flight reaction. Cage
height should allow for this and should permit the animals to
stand erect, jump and climb, and to sit on a perch without head
or tail touching the cage."
International Primatological Society 1993. IPS
International guidelines for the acquisition, care and breeding
of nonhuman primates, Codes of Practice 1-3. Primate Report
35, 3-29
"The vertical dimension of the cage is of importance [because
of the vertical flight response] and cages where the monkey is
able to perch above human eye level are recommended."
Kaumanns W, Schönmann U 1997. Requirements for cebids.
Primate Report 49, 71-91
"Arboreal species need cages and enclosures which allow
a differentiated moving in the vertical dimension. They should
be able to use spatial positions which are above the level of
the position of certain groupmates and of threatening humans or
potential dangerous events in their environment. Cage positions
in a keeping room below the eye level of human can be a source
of permanent stress, because they are incompatible with adaptive
tendencies of arboreal primates to avoid risks by using higher
parts of the habitat."
MacLean E, Roberts Prior S 2006. View
from the top. AWI (Animal Welfare Institute) Quarterly
55(3), 7
"Across both conditions, monkeys showed a strong preference
for the upper-row cage indicating that elevation was more important
than illumination in guiding location preference. Although monkeys
did increase the amount of time that they spent in the lower row
during periods of reversed lighting, this trend was not significant.
Nonetheless, we do not interpret this result as evidence that
sufficient lighting is not important to captive monkeys. Rather,
we believe that monkeys' consistent preference for the upper-row
reflects the paramount importance of access to elevated space."
National Research Council 1998. The
Psychological Well-Being of Nonhuman Primates. National
Academy Press, Washington
"Under natural conditions, many primates spend much of
their lives aboveground and escape upward to avoid terrestrial
threats. Therefore, these animals might perceive the presence
of humans above them as particularly threatening. ... Even macaques,
which some describe as semiterrestrial, spend most of the day
in elevated locations and seek the refuge of trees at night. ...
Optimal use of available cage space might well depend more on
the placement of perches, platforms, moving and stationary supports,
and refuges than on cage size itself."
Reinhardt V, Liss C, Stevens C 1996. Space
requirement stipulations for caged nonhuman primates in the United
States: A critical review. Animal Welfare 5, 361-372
"Having no stimulatory value, space alone does not enhance
an animal's environment. ... Legal space requirements for non-human
primates are not adequate unless they stipulate that sufficient
height be provided to accommodate properly placed elevated structures."
Ross SR, Lukasb KE 2006. Use of space
in a non-naturalistic environment by chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
and lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) . Applied
Animal Behaviour Science 96, 143-152
"Chimpanzees preferred the highest tier of the enclosure
and the gorillas preferred the floor level. Both species showed
preferences for doorways, corners and the mesh barriers adjacent
to keeper areas."
Taylor L, Owens A 2004. Enclosure
use by aged squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). American
Journal of Primatology 62(Supplement), 85
A group of squirrel monkeys was translocated from an indoor exhibit
to an outdoor enclosure. "The monkeys were scored most often
among the largest and highest branches in the tallest tree in
the enclosure (17.7% ). .. None were ever scored on the ground,
despite the water source being there and the insect foraging opportunities.
Tecot S, Jensvold ML, Fouts R 1999. Evaluation of an enriched
physical environment: space and structure utilization in Pan
troglodytes. American Journal of Physical Anthroplogy Supplement
264, 264
Ethological findings indicate that "access to vertical
structures is important to these [group of five] chimpanzees."
Westlund K Preference
of the vertical dimension of cyno pairs living in high cages.
Laboratory Animal Refinement and Enrichment Forum (electronic
discussion group), November 28, 2002
"In a quantitative study I did on pair-housed cynos the
animals spent 95% of their waking time in the upper part of the
cage (being housed in a system that resembles a double-tier system,
but with vertical access to upper and lower sections) - which
suggests that their preference along the gradient of height is
unequivocal! No bedding was provided on any of the cage floors,
and all food was given in the bottom section. Even so, animals
would bring the food to the upper part and consume it there."
Abee CR 1985. Medical care and management of the squirrel monkey.
In Handbook of Squirrel Monkey Research Rosenblum LA, Coe
CL (ed), 447-488. Plenum Press, New York
"Squirrel monkeys .... lack ischeal callosities and therefore
are prone to the development of sores if they are not provided
with suitable structures on which to climb and perch. Squirrel
monkeys prefer a flat, shelf-type surface for sleeping, but animals
using such perches frequently develop pressure ulcers on the dorsal
aspect of the tail. By using large-diameter plastic pipe (1.5
inch), a highly desirable perch can be provided. These perches
have a broad surface yet are sufficiently contoured to avoid tail
sores."
*Baumans V, Coke
C, Green J, Moreau E, Morton D, Patterson-Kane E, Reinhardt A,
Reinhardt V, Van Loo P 2007 Making Lives Easier for Animals
in Research Labs - Chapter
4.17. Vertical Space Enhancement. Washington, DC: Animal
Welfare Institute
"Most of the primates' natural environment is "fixed."
Even a tree is "fixed;" it's only at the end of branches
where a monkey in nature would have the sensation of anything
like a swinging perch. A fixed perch is a great thing for a monkey.
We used to hang numerous swings and movable raised structures
into the enclosure of our group-housed cynos, but we could see
very clearly that they prefer the stable perches or platforms.
Our animals very rarely used ropes or swings. The only ones using
those elements were babies and juveniles.
In the caging systems we use there is no bottom tier. All cages
are 0.6 m off of the floor. Each cage is furnished with a 1 m
high perch; so it is pretty much at human eye level 1.6 m height.
It seems to me that the animals feel relaxed when they sit on
their perch and can meet me at eye level. A low perch has little
or no value as a "safe" resting location from our monkeys
point of view."
Bayne K, Hurst JK, Dexter SL 1992. Evaluation of the preference
to and behavioral effects of an enriched environment on male rhesus
monkeys. Laboratory Animal Science 42, 38-45
"With simultaneous exposure, the single-housed subjects
spent the greatest portion of the interactive time [30 minute-observation
sessions] on the perch [16.8%], the second greatest amount of
time spent divided approximately equally between interacting with
the Kong [5.0%] and Tug-A-Toy [4.9%], and the least amount of
time spent manipulating the grooming board [0.4%]."
Brinkman C 1998. Usefulness of swings for macaques . Primate
Enrichment Forum (electronic discussion group), (August 17,
1998)
"I have used swings with cynos (socially and singly housed)
and pigtails (socially housed). My impression is that adult animals
do not really use them, that is, to 'swing'. Young animals like
moving things, be they swings, or other suspended items. My adults
did not even use the swings much to perch on; my explanation is
that on a swing, you simply cannot easily relax. Animals cannot
really sit on them, and especially with the cynos, you can see
almost continuous movement in the tail, compensating in balance."
Crockett CM, Bellanca RU, Bowers CL, Bowden DM 1997. Grooming-contact
bars provide social contact for individually caged laboratory
primates. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science
36(6), 53-60
"Monkeys in upper cages averaged 48%±27% SD of
the time on the perch, compared with 40%±25% SD for monkeys
in lower cages."
Davis E 2006. More
fun with a barrel full of monkeys: A nonhuman primate swing made
by recycling plastic barrels. Laboratory Primate Newsletter
45(3), 9-11
"The NIH Shared Animal Facilities' enrichment program
has developed a primate swing created from recycling our discarded
plastic 30- and 55-gallon detergent barrels. These swings are
easy to construct and are effective in increasing our animals'
behavioral repertoires. Additionally, these swings are safe, portable,
non-toxic, easy to sanitize, and almost indestructible. We have
used these barrels in our socially-housed monkey runs for over
three years, and they are still going strong!"
Dexter SL, Bayne K 1994. Results
of providing swings to individually housed rhesus monkeys (Macaca
mulatta). Laboratory Primate Newsletter 33(2),
9-12
The single-housed adult test subjects manipulated the swings
but showed little inclination to actually use them for swinging.
European Commission 2002. The
Welfare of Non-human Primates - Report of the Scientific Committe
on Animal Health and Animal Welfare. European Commission,
Strasbourg, France
Comprehensive updated recommendations on the species-appropriate
care of nonhuman primates.
"Enclosures for nonhuman primates should be equipped with
one or more elevated resting surfaces (to a postion higher than
the level at which they perceive threatenign factors, e.g., humans)
and installed in such a way that an animal can sit on them comfortably.
Perches or shelves should be provided in all cages."
Günther MM 1998. Influence of habitat structure on jumping
behaviour in Galago moholi. Folia Primatologica
69 (Supplement 1), 410
There was a statistically significant preference for wooden
perches versus PVC perches and for high perches versus low perches.
"These results suggest that support material [perches], as
well as height, influences the behaviour of G. maholi and these
should be taken into consideration in behavioural and biomedical
studies as well as in the construction of cage facilities. Studies
which do not take these factors into account are to some extent
vitiated."
Howell SM, Mittra E, Fritz J, Baron J 1997. The
provision of cage furnishings as environmental enrichment at the
Primate Foundation of Arizona. The Newsletter 9(2),
1-5
"Adults infrequently used 'moving' furnishings (e.g.,
swinging ropes, hanging tubes, etc...) and seemed to prefer 'stable'
horizontal furnishings (e.g., benches, logs) above the enclosure
floor."
Kopecky J, Reinhardt V 1991. Comparing
the effectiveness of PVC swings versus PVC perches as environmental
enrichment objects for caged female rhesus macaques. Laboratory
Primate Newsletter 30(2), 5-6
Single-housed subjects' "preference for perches was probably
related to the fact that perches, unlike swings, are fixed structures
permitting continuous relaxed postures rather than short-term
balancing. Moreover, perches, unlike swings, permit the animals
to sit right in front of the cage with optimal visual control
of the environment outside of the cage."
Millere KE, Laszlo K, Suomi SJ 2006.
Using
recycled barrel swings vs. Prima-Hedrons in primate enclosures.
Laboratory Primate Newsletter 45(3), 12
"To document the utility of using recycled barrel swings
vs. Prima-Hedronsâ as enrichment objects, we observed a
socially housed group of 28 tufted capuchins (Cebus apella). ..
We found no significant difference in the average frequency of
use of hanging Prima-Hedrons vs. hanging barrels."
Neveu H, Deputte BL 1996. Influence of availability of perches
on the behavioral well-being of captive, group-living mangabeys.
American Journal of Primatology 38, 175-185
"A total deprivation of perches yielded an increase in
aggressive behaviors and locomotion, and a decrease in cohesiveness.
Placing perches progressively in the experimental cage restored
the level of all the variables to levels found in the control
cage [with five perches]. ... Therefore, perches constitute a
necessary feature of an adequate environment for mangabeys."
O'Neill-Wagner PL 1994. When
trying to get your monkeys to behave, try perches. In Touch
1(2), 6-8
The group-housed animals preferred perches at high elevation
over perches at low elevation.
Ochiai T, Matsuzawa T 1999. Environmental enrichment for captive
chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): Introduction of climbing
frames 15 m high [Japanese text with English summary]. Reichorui
Kenkyu/Primate Research 15, 289-296
"Tall climbing frames were introduced into an outdoor
compound for captive chimpanzees as a way of environmental enrichment.
... Chimpanzees spent 81% of the observation time on the climbing
structures. ... All chimpanzees used the climbing structure throughout
the day with little individual difference."
Phillippi-Falkenstein K 1998. Usefulness of swings for macaques.
Primate Enrichment Forum (August 19, 1998)
"In group runs, corncribs and corrals, swings provide
a dimension of environmental complexity for rhesus and pig-tailed
macaques. The swings are primarily used by young animals, while
adults rarely use them. Tire swings seem to be the favorite. It
has been my experience that the animals - even juveniles - do
not benefit from swings when housed in 'small' standard cages:
They simply don't use them."
Plesker R, Herzog A 2001. Prima
hedrons, puzzle feeders and television as environmental enrichment
for captive African Green Monkeys. Primate Eye , 4
"The prima hedrons had no significant effect on any of
the behaviours investigated. These were infrequently used as objects
for playing, resting or observation."
Reinhardt V 1989. Evaluation
of the long-term effectiveness of two environmental enrichment
objects for singly caged rhesus macaques. Lab Animal
18(6), 31-33
"The singly caged monkeys spent on average 28% of the
total observation time [120 min] with the PVC pipes. ...While
perching, the monkeys sat in front of the cage for 95% of the
time, in the middle or rear of the cage for 5% of the time. ...
The proportion of time spent with the pipes was three times greater
for animals living in lower-row cages than for animals living
in upper-row cages. ... In the elevated position, the light exposure
was increased, a fact that made the pipes of particular value
for the lower-row cages animals."
Reinhardt V, Pape R 1991. An
alternative method for primate perch installation. Lab
Animal 20(8), 47-48
Modification of squeeze cages is described allowing the installation
of a perch that does not interfere with the normal operation of
the cage.
Reinhardt V 1990. Comparing
the effectiveness of PVC perches versus wooden perches as environmental
enrichment objects for singly caged rhesus monkeys. Laboratory
Primate Newsletter 29(1), 13-14
"One half of each cage was provided with a PVC pipe, the
other with an oak branch." Both perches had the same diameter
and were installed in the same manner. During one-hour observation
sessions, single-caged subjects showed no clear preference but
spent on average 19% of the time on the PVC pipe and another 24%
of the time on the oak branch.
Reinhardt V 1992. Environmental
enrichment branches that do not clog drains. Laboratory
Primate Newsletter 31(2), 8
"More than 700 caged rhesus and stump-tailed macaques
housed in 29 rooms have been exposed to red oak perches and/or
loose branch segments for a period of six months. Drains did not
clog in any of the 29 rooms during this time although the animals
gnawed the wood extensively."
Reinhardt V 1992. Space
utilization by captive rhesus macaques. Animal Technology
43, 11-17
"The area covered by the floor was 3 times larger than
that covered by elevated structures; nonetheless the animals were
located significantly more often (89.8% of 108 scan samples) on
elevated structures than on the floor (8.6% of 108 scan samples).
... The higher an animal's rank position, the more pronounced
was its habit to utilize high-level (>130 cm above floor) structures
of the pen, while low ranking animals had to be content with low-level
structures (40 cm above floor) and the floor. ..
All members of the group would inevitably take to elevated sites
whenever they heard or saw fear-inducing personnel. ... The animals
huddled together with regularity on high-level structures but
never on low-level structures or on the floor. ... It was concluded
that [group-housed] laboratory rhesus macaques prefer the vertical
dimension over the horizontal dimension as primary living space."
Reinhardt V 2003. Legal
loophole for subminimal floor area for caged macaques. Journal
of Applied Animal Welfare Science 6, 53-56
"The USDA regulations pertaining to the minimum space
requirements of nonhuman primates and the fitting of elevated
resting surfaces are contradictory. They implicitly condone the
prevailing perch design that allows maximal usage of animal room
space by stacking the cages on top of each other but fails to
address the animals minimal spatial needs for normal postural
adjustments with freedom of movement. An amendment to the regulations
is needed to clarify that perches, ledges, swings, or other suspended
fixtures have to be installed in such a way that they do not block
part of the minimum floor space that is needed by an animal to
make species-typical postural adjustments with freedom of movement."
Ricker RB, Williams LE, Brady AG, Gibson SV, Abee CR 1995.
Environmental enhancement for laboratory-housed squirrel monkeys:
Fifteen-year retrospective analysis of procedures. Contemporary
Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 34(4), 55
"Two types of perching material were tried: polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) and hemp (rope). The PVC was preferred by the animals
and was set up in multiple levels, allowing use of vertical as
well as horizontal space."
Schmidt EM, Dold GM, McIntosh JS 1989. A perch for primate
squeeze cages. Laboratory Animal Science 39, 166-167
Modification of single squeeze-cages is described allowing
the installation of a perch that does not interfere with the normal
operation of the cage. "The monkeys make use of their perch
for feeding, grooming and sleeping" for 30% to 95% of the
day.
Seier JV 2000. Usefulness of wooden material for environmental
enrichment for rhesus macaques. Primate Enrichment Forum (February
12, 2000)
"We have been using wood extensively in our vervet
monkey colony (about 300 monkeys, indoors) and communal cages
we make climbing apparatus from wood. Wood perches for resting
were also installed but they use the metal perches equally well.
...The vervets use the wood as described for other species, stripping
the bark and climbing. They eventually reduce and medium branches
to a single pole. We find this desirable since it keeps them occupied
for hours. ... They do not loose interest in the wood as they
do in other objects which we have tried. ... There is obviously
the problem of sanitation but we replace the wood regularly and
autoclave it before we place inside the cage (luckily we have
a very large autoclave). Clogging of drains and mould has not
occurred, neither have problems such as injury through splintering.
... We consider wood as our most important enrichment tool."
Shimoji M, Bowers CL, Crockett CM 1993. Initial
response to introduction of a PVC perch by singly caged Macaca
fascicularis. Laboratory Primate Newsletter 32(4),
8-11
"Longtailed macaques ... exhibit a vertical flight response
when alarmed. Therefore, the height of the cage is important for
allowing the animals to withdraw from potentially stressful or
alarming situations. ..Single-housed "monkeys spent significantly
more time clinging to the cage wall ("suspended") in
the absence of the perch. ... Monkeys in lower level cages [26%
of daytime] averaged somewhat more time on the perch than those
in upper cages [14% of daytime]. ... There was less stereotypy
when the perch was present."
Smith K, St. Claire M, Byrum R, Harbaugh S, Harbaugh J, Erwin
J 2003. Use of space, cage features, and manipulable objects by
laboratory primates: individual differences and species variability.
American Journal of Primatology 60(Supplement), 76-77
http://www.asp.org/asp2003/abstractDisplay.cfm?abstractID=625&confEventID=514
Rhesus (74%), longtailed (71%), vervets (94%), and patas
(82%) significantly exceeded the expected rate of perch use (25%),
while pigtailed (28%) did not differ from expectation.
Taylor LL 1998. Promoting species typical behavior in Coquerel's
sifakas (Propithecus Verreauxi Coquereli). American
Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) Regional Conference Proceedings,
599-603
"The sifakas rarely were observed on the ground, preferring
to locomote on vertical substrates and rest on vertical and horizontal
elevated substrates in all four size categories. Therefore, if
vertical surfaces were absent from captive habitats, these rare
lemurs could not display their preferred mode of arboreal locomotion.
Further, the rarity of ground use highlights the need for elevated
feeding sites."
Taylor L, Owens A 2004.
Enclosure use by aged squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus).
American Journal of Primatology 62(Supplement), 85
A group of squirrel monkeys was translocated from an indoor exhibit
to an outdoor enclosure. Static substrates were preferred
(64.3%). Dynamic substrates, like rope walkways, were used primarily
during locomotion (33.8%) from one static location to another.
van Wagenen G 1950. The monkeys. In The Care and Breeding
of Laboratory Animals Farris EJ (ed), 1-42. John Wiley, New
York
"Sitting on the board [approximately 1 m off the ground
of the room], facing the center of the room, is the favorite position
of the monkeys. At this height these intensely alert animals have
a better view of activities within the room, and they can meet
visitors on the same eye level. ... and they sleep on the board
at night."
Watson DSB 1991. A built-in perch for primate squeeze cages.
Laboratory Animal Science 41, 378-379
Perch installation design for single squeeze-back cages is
described. "Independent of gender the monkeys were seen using
their perches more than 84% of the time."
Watson SL, Shively CA 1996. Effects of cage configuration on
behavior in cynomolgus macaques. XVIth Congress of the International
Primatological Society/XIXth Conference of the American Society
of Primatologists, Abstract No. 674
"Stereotypies occurred more often in the STD [standard
single cage] than in the VE [vertically-enhanced; probably with
perche(s)]. ... The results indicate that VE cages provide more
suitable individual housing environments for nonhuman primates
than STD cages."
Watson SL, Gray A, Taylor E, Johnson
B, Fahm B, McGee A, Bingham W, Banks P 2002. Efficacy of environmental enrichment for garnett's
bushbaby (Otolemur garnettii).
American Journal of Primatology 57, 38-39)
"Bushbabies interacted with swinging/climbing apparati
significantly more than with manipulanda.... All animals spent
significantly more time at the top than at the bottom of their
cages (t(17)=3.3, p=.004). ... These results suggest that provision
of vertical space and swinging/climbing opportunities may be more
effective forms of enrichment for bushbabies than provision of
manipulanda."
Williams LE, Abee CR, Barnes SR, Ricker RB 1988. Cage design
and configuration for an arboreal species of primate. Laboratory
Animal Science 38, 289-291
"Squirrel monkeys preferred a poly-vinyl-chloride pipe
perch (rigid) over rope perches (non-rigid). For an arboreal animal,
a higher perch may be perceived as safer." Additional perches
decreased the propensity for development of tail ulcers associated
with floor contact. "With only one perch level, males were
forced to spend a large percentage of their time sitting on the
floor rather than the main perches [which were occupied by females]."
Wolff A 1989. Polyvinyl
chloride piping as perch material for squirrel monkeys. Laboratory
Primate Newsletter 28(1), 7
"An additional unexpected benefit of the PVC piping has
been a decrease in dorsal tail-head abrasions, frequently seen
in squirrel monkeys that sit on the stainless steel flooring of
standard primate cages."
Woodbeck T, Reinhardt V 1991. Perch
use by Macaca mulatta in relation to cage location.
Laboratory Primate Newsletter 30(4), 11-12
Single-housed "animals living in lower-row cages spent
an average of 31.6% of the time perching on their pipes while
animals living in upper-row cages perched only 6.9% of the time.
Access to the vertical dimension of the cage was more important
for the lower-row caged monkeys who continuously live close to
the ground, in the horizontal dimension of the room."
(6) Promoting Object-oriented Behavior
Anonymous 1991. The psychological well-being of primates. Primate
News 25(Fall), 3-5
"The problems with all these devices is that they are
expensive to purchase (foraging boards cost $60 each) and to maintain
(they require many hours to fill and clean). "That is tough
on an institution like ours," says Dr. Kelley, "that
has a large colony of animals. We could live with the expense
if we were certain that these devices really improve the well-being
of the animals. It seems, however, that after a short time the
animals lose interest in foraging boards, and fleece boards, just
as they lose interest in balls and toys."
Bayne K 1989. Nylon
balls re-visited. Laboratory Primate Newsletter 28(1),
5-6
"Approximately 10% of the [single-housed] monkeys in a
room utilize the ball [Nylaball®]at any given time."
Bayne K, Hurst JK, Dexter SL 1992. Evaluation of the preference
to and behavioral effects of an enriched environment on male rhesus
monkeys. Laboratory Animal Science 42, 38-45
"With simultaneous exposure, the single-housed subjects
spent the greatest portion of the interactive time [30 minute-observation
sessions] on the perch [16.8%], the second greatest amount of
time spent divided approximately equally between interacting with
the Kong [5.0%] and Tug-A-Toy [4.9%], and the least amount of
time spent manipulating the grooming board [0.4%]."
Bayne K, Dexter SL, Hurst JK, Strange GM, Hill EE 1993. Kong
toys for laboratory primates: Are they really an enrichment or
just fomites? Laboratory Animal Science 43, 78-85
"The use of simple toys for environmental enrichment of
laboratory primates is an economical means of increasing the complexity
of the cage environment to a limited degree. The limitations presented
by this method of enrichment include the finite ways in which
a simple device can elicit normative behaviors and the relatively
rapid habituation to the device." It was demonstrated that
microbial growth can persist on enrichment devices - such as Kong
toys - after they have been sanitized in a commercial cagewasher.
Bloomsmith MA, Finlay TW, Merhalski JJ, Maple TL 1990. Rigid
plastic balls as enrichment devices for captive chimpanzees. Laboratory
Animal Science 40(3), 319-322
"The mean percentage of ball-use time for all subjects
during the study [first ten hours after initial presentation]
was 7.1%. ... Age and housing effects were obtained, with younger
animals and those housed in more barren environments exhibiting
higher levels of ball use. It is concluded that the balls were
worthwhile additions to the chimpanzee environments with use stabilizing
at a mean of 2.5% of the subjects' time."
Brent L, Stone AM 1998. Destructible toys as enrichment for
captive chimpanzees. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science
1, 5-14
Nine singly caged chimpanzees were provided with eight different
toys made of plastic, vinyl, or cloth one at a time or several
at once. The toys remained in the cages an average of three days.
"The chimpanzees varied greatly in their interest in the
toys. One subject rarely contacted the toys and others used them
a great deal and quickly destroyed them."
Cardinal BR, Kent SJ 1998. Behavioral
effects of simple manipulable environmental enrichment on pair-housed
juvenile macaques (Macaca nemestrina). Laboratory
Primate Newsletter 37(1), 1-3
"The teddy bear was preferred as a manipulable toy over
the pink teething ring and the green teething ring. Toy use declined
with time, indicating that rotation of toys, at least in the short
term, may increase use."
Crockett CM, Bielitzki JT, Carey A, Velez A 1989. Kong
toys as enrichment devices for singly-caged macaques. Laboratory
Primate Newsletter 28(2), 21-22
"Providing objects such as Kong toys to macaques in single-animal
housing with little or no opportunity for manipulation is mildly
enriching to some of the monkeys. Periodically removing and reintroducing
the toys would increase their enrichment value."
Hamilton P 1991. Enrichment toys and tools in recent trials.
Humane Innovations and Alternatives in Animal Experimentation
5, 272-277
"When toys were left with an animal for several days,
the individual became accustomed to and desinterested in the toy."
Kessel AL, Brent L 1998. Cage toys reduce abnormal behavior
in individually housed pigtail macaques. Journal of Applied
Animal Welfare Science 1, 227-234
"Providing multiple manipulable toys as enrichment for
[single-caged] pigtail macaques was effective in reducing abnormal
behavior" during 30-min observation session. "The use
of the toys was reduced over time."
Line SW, Markowitz H, Morgan KN, Strong S 1989. Evaluation
of attempts to enrich the environment of single-caged non-human
primates. In Animal Care and Use in Behavioral Research: Regulation,
Issues, and Applications Driscoll JW (ed), 103-117. Animal
Welfare Information Center, Beltsville
"Our experience with cage toys suggests that after a very
short time (a few days or less), most macaques will lose interest
in the objects that are offered."
Novak MA, Musant A, Munroe H, O'Neill PL, Price C, Suomi SJ
1993. Old, socially housed rhesus monkeys manipulate objects.
Zoo Biology 12, 285-298
"More than 10% of the [group-housed] females' time was
spent in object [toy] manipulation. ... Socially housed rhesus
monkeys ranging in age from 14 to 22 years showed steady rates
of object manipulation, and their interest in familiar objects
did not appear to wane over time. .... Several factors [for interpreting
higher interaction rates in groups-housed than in single-housed
animals] should be considered, the first of which is social facilitation
... Failure to manipulate objects in rhesus macaques appears to
be more a function of individual housing than of old age."
Paquette D, Prescott J 1988. Use of novel objects to enhance
environments of captive chimpanzees. Zoo Biology 7, 15-23
"Following their familiarization with the novel objects
[rubber or plastic toys for small children], the [group-housed]
chimpanzees' manipulation frequency decreased whereas self-grooming
and abnormal behaviors were increased." The importance of
a periodical substitution of the objects was suggested to enhance
their usefulness.
Plesker R, Heller-Schmidth J, Hackbarth
H 2006. Environmental enrichment objects for the improvement
of locomotion of caged rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Laboratory Primate Newsletter 45(1),
7-10
Juveniles used the mobile objects [treadmill and rotating
barrel] more than the adults. "Due to the increase in locomotion,
the amount of time spent in aggressive behavior significantly
decreased."
Pruetz JD, Bloomsmith MA 1992. Comparing
two manipulable objects as enrichment for captive chimpanzees.
Animal Welfare 1, 127-137
"Paper was used a mean 27 per cent of the available time
[one hour], while the Kong Toys were used a mean 10 per cent of
the available time. ... Object use steadily declined over the
first hour of exposure. ... Object use when the Kong Toy was present
declined over the course of the study, but use of the paper remained
consistent. ... The destructible wrapping paper was more worthwhile
enrichment object than the indestructible Kong Toy for the [group-housed]
captive chimpanzees of this study."
Shefferly N, Fritz J, Howell S 1993. Toys
as environmental enrichment for captive juvenile chimpanzees (Pan
troglodytes). Laboratory Primate Newsletter 32(2),
7-9
"Whereas contact with the indestructible toy ball decreased
over time, destructible objects maintained a consistent level
of interest throughout the toys lifespan. ... Provision of both
types of toys did not result in significant differences in the
time individuals spent in abnormal, or aggressive behavior. ...
There were no health problems or injuries associated with the
destructible objects. No pieces of plastic were found in feces,
indicating that none had been ingested."
Weick BG, Perkins SE, Burnett DE, Rice TR, Staley EC 1991.
Environmental enrichment objects and singly housed rhesus monkeys:
Individual preferences and the restoration of novelty. Contemporary
Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 30(5), 18
"We found that the extent of physical contact with the
[Kong toy, Nylabone ring and Nylabone ball] toys habituated during
a short time. ... The introduction of a different toy every Monday
was accompanied by a restoration of the apparent novelty of the
toys."
*Baumans V, Coke
C, Green J, Moreau E, Morton D, Patterson-Kane E, Reinhardt A,
Reinhardt V, Van Loo P 2007 Making Lives Easier for Animals
in Research Labs - Chapter
4.10. Wooden Objects. Washington, DC: Animal Welfare Institute
"I give our single-caged baboons 20 cm long gnawing sticks
made of pecan branches. They love them! It takes one to
two weeks for a stick to be "widdled" down to about
half of its size."
Eckert K, Niemeyer C, Anonymous , Rogers RW, Seier J, Ingersoll
B, Barklay L, Brinkman C, Oliver S, Buckmaster C, Knowles L, Pyle
S 2000. Wooden
objects for enrichment: A discussion. Laboratory Primate
Newsletter 39(3), 1-4
"It seems that there is a general consensus that wooden
objects provide inexpensive, safe, long-term and effective stimulation
for the expression of non-injurious, species-typical behaviors
such as perching, gnawing, gouging, manipulating and playing"
without causing health and hygienic problems.
Hienz RD, Zarcone TJ, Turkkan JS, Pyle DA, Adams RJ 1998. Measurement
of enrichment device use and preference in singly caged baboons.
Laboratory Primate Newsletter 37(3), 6-10
"Baboons generally interacted less with Kongs than with
logs or swings. This trend, however, was not consistent for each
individual animal. Of the six baboons, three clearly "preferred"
the log (i.e., moved the log more than the other two devices),
two preferred the swing, and one preferred the Kong. Thus the
trends expressed in the averaged data can be quite misleading."
Hienz RD, Pyle DA, Frey JJ, Zarcone TJ, Adams RJ, Turkkan JS
2000. Enrichment
device use by baboons during long-term vs. intermittent availability.
Laboratory Primate Newsletter 39(2), 1-3
"Four of the six baboons increased their [cherry] log
use over the exposure period [104 days], while the remaining two
baboons decreased their interactions with their logs over this
period. ...When the logs were available only every other day,
or every fourth day, log use was considerably enhanced on those
days. When the logs were withheld longer, log use declined to
the same level of use observed when the logs were continuously
available. These results suggest that leaving enrichment devices
out of a monkey's cage for extended periods would not be beneficial
for generating greater use."
Hienz RD, Jones A, Pyle DA, Johnson
J 2002. Effectiveness
of enrichment devices during brief periods of social restriction
in singly housed baboons. Laboratory Primate Newsletter
41(3), 1-3
"Data were collected on the animals' (three singly caged
adult males) daily biscuit intake and activity levels as well
as log activity prior to, during, and following social restriction
(housed in separate room in which no other animals are present),
and also in the absence and presence of a log (hand-cut cherry
hardwood logs; 9 cm diameter x 35 cm long). .. All three baboons
in the current study showed a marked decrease in activity during
the brief periods of social restriction when the log enrichment
devices were not available. However, once these devices were provided,
general activity increased again, with two of the three baboons
increasing their activity levels to near-normal. .. These findings
present further support for the importance of enrichment devices
for laboratory primates, showing that in the presence of such
devices, the behavior of the animal is positively influenced.
While the devices themselves were not manipulated greatly in this
study, their presence affected the activity of the baboons."
Line SW, Morgan KN 1991. The effects of two novel objects on
the behaviour of singly caged adult rhesus macaques. Laboratory
Animal Science 41, 365-369
Single-housed subjects engaged in stick use 5.8% of 15 minute-observation
sessions. The corresponding figure for nylon ball use was 2%.
"No adverse health effects of stick ingestion were noted
among the subjects."
Reinhardt V 1990. Time budget of caged rhesus monkeys exposed
to a companion, a PVC perch and a piece of wood for an extended
time. American Journal of Primatology 20, 51-56
"Sixty animals were continuously exposed for at least
1.5 years to a compatible companion for social interaction, a
suspended plastic pipe for perching, and a branch segment for
gnawing." Individuals spent an average of 23.5% of the time
interacting with the companion, 10.4% with the plastic pipe and
4.8% with the branch segment.
Reinhardt V 1997. The
Wisconsin Gnawing Stick. Animal Welfare Information Center
(AWIC) Newsletter 7(3-4), 11-12
The sticks consist of branch segments cut of dead red oak trees.
They are used by caged macaques about 5% of the time - more by
young animals, less by adult animals - for gnawing, manipulating
and playing. "All caged rhesus macaques (more than 700 animals)
and all caged stumptailed macaques (approximately 36 animals)
have continual access to gnawing sticks since that time [1989].
... Long-term exposure to the sticks has resulted in no recognizable
health hazards."
*Baumans V, Coke
C, Green J, Moreau E, Morton D, Patterson-Kane E, Reinhardt A,
Reinhardt V, Van Loo P 2007 Making Lives Easier for Animals
in Research Labs - Chapter
4.5. Mirrors. Washington, DC: Animal Welfare Institute
"All of our single-housed long-tailed macaques have mirrors
mounted on swivels that are attached to the outside of their cages,
low enough so that an animal can chose to either bend down and
intentionally look into the mirror or to make no extra effort,
hence not be confronted bothered? by the mirror reflection. Our
monkeys use their mirrors frequently.
Our rhesus love mirrors too. They like to check us out by looking
at us through the mirror. I guess they don't feel so threatened
when they can look at us without being seen. They also like to
check out the room, by looking at the reflections in the mirror.
We have one male who never looks at people directly, but holds
up a polished stainless steel mirror to watch people who have
just entered the room. Of course, we named him Mirror Man.
We have found an acrylic sheet mirror that we can cut into different-size
pieces. Some get hung on the walls, using double sided tape, while
other pieces get hung right inside the enclosures, using zip ties.
We also cut small pieces and give these directly to the primates.
Our rhesus macaques often combine the wall and hand mirrors to
get extra viewing advantage! It's really fun to watch them. The
acrylic leaves no sharp edges when it breaks; this means it is
safe for the animals. We never encountered a problem.
Our singly housed baboons get the most enjoyment from their mirrors,
while pair- and group-housed animals show little interest in them.
I have a male olive baboon in my charge who regularly sits for
long periods at a time looking at himself in a mirror. He is housed
with two females but appears to prefer looking at his own mirror
reflection versus the nice tumescent females hovering around him!
He also uses his mirror to see reflections of what is going on
behind him, sitting diagonally with his back facing the main traffic
area for techs, as if he was spying on us! I do believe he is
entertaining himself quite a bit with the mirror."
Brent L, Stone AM 1996. Long-term use of television, balls,
and mirrors as enrichment for paired and singly caged chimpanzees.
American Journal of Primatology 39, 139-145
"Chimpanzees used televisions, balls, and mirrors for
0.27-1.53% of the observation time after several years of exposure
to the enrichment items. Television and ball use were significantly
higher than mirror use."
Goode TL, McPherson H, Hughes J, Conboy T, Smith S, Bone A,
Zimmerman W, Holder D, Klein H 1998. Evaluation of stainless steel
reflective discs as enrichment devices for rhesus monkeys (Macaca
mulatta) housed in a toxicological facility. Contemporary
Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 37, 100
"The enrichment device was used [probably by single-caged
subjects] primarily for manipulation and banging. ... The usage
of polished stainless steel discs declines over time and therefore
alternative methods of environmental enrichment and rotation of
enrichment devices should be considered."
Harris H 2002. Mirrors
as enrichment for monkeys. Laboratory Animal Refinement
and Enrichment Forum (electronic discussion group), November
13, 2002
"Our African green monkeys (all males) and cynomolgus
macaques use the mirrors more than the rhesus and squirrel monkeys.
.. The mirrors are utilized by singly-caged, paired and group
housed monkeys. They use them to look at themselves and at other
things inside and outside the room. We have had a few (less than
10) occurrences where the monkeys were too fearful or self-aggressive
to keep a mirror on their cage, but by far, the majority benefit
from them. The mirrors, in my opinion, are one of our most useful
object enrichment items."
O'Neill PL, Wright AC, Weed JL 1997. Curious response of three
monkey species to mirrors. American Zoo and Aquarium Association
(AZA) Regional Conference Proceedings, 95-101
One mirror was hung on the front of each subject's cage and
remained in place for a two-week study period. Pig-tailed macaques
contacted the mirror at a fairly constant rate of 12-18 times
per hour. Rhesus macaques were initially interested in the mirror,
but contact rate per hour progressively dropped to only 6 at the
end of the second week. Long-tailed macaques showed little interest
in the beginning, but contact rates reached those of pig-tailed
macaques at the end of the study.
(7) Promoting Curiosity Behavior
Bloomsmith MA, Lambeth SP 2000. Videotapes as enrichment for
captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Zoo Biology
19, 541-551
"Individually housed subjects watched the videotapes more
than socially housed subjects. When viewing time was averaged
across all videotapes, the chimpanzees watched the monitor a mean
of 38.4% of the time available. ... Subjects habituated to repeated
presentations of the videotapes, although the effect was small
numerically. Although this type of enrichment did not extensively
alter behavior, it did occupy a significant portion of the subjects
activity budget."
Bloomsmith MA, Lambeth SP, Perlamn JE, Hook MA, Schapiro SJ
2000. Control over videotape enrichment for socially housed chimpanzees.
American Journal of Primatology 51, Supplement 1, 44-45
Social behavior and solitary play were higher in subjects with
control over the onset of videotapes, while scratching [generally
regarded as a sign of tension] was higher in those groups who
lacked control. "The results indicate that giving chimpanzees
control over videotaped enrichment had limited, but positive,
effects on behavior."
Harris LD, Briand EJ, Orth R, Galbicka G 1999. Assessing the
value of television as environmental enrichment for individually
housed rhesus monkeys: A behavioral economic approach. Contemporary
Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 38(2), 48-53
"The negative demand curve suggested that TV is not a
valued commodity" for single-caged rhesus macaques.
Lambeth S, Bloomsmith M, Baker K, Perlman J, Hook M, Schapiro
S 2001. Control
over videotape enrichment for socially housed chimpanzees: Subsequent
challenge tests. American Journal of Primatology 54(Supplement
1), 62-63
"The lower expression of stressrelated behaviors by chimpanzees
that took advantage of the opportunity to control the videotape
apparatus implies that exerting control over the environment may
have a generalized effect by lessening disturbance caused by mildly
challenging situations."
O'Neill-Wagner P 2001. Videotape
exposure may facilitate recovery for monkeys in a clinical setting.
American Journal of Primatology 54(Supplement 1), 59
"During videotape exposure monkeys did not remove their
sutures. Animals that had previously withdrawn from food were
observed eating during videotapes showing primates eating."
Platt DM, Novak MA 1997. Videostimulation as enrichment for
captive rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Applied Animal
Behaviour Science 52, 139-155
The animals spent substantially more time watching selected
videotapes than manipulating the joystick.
Plesker R, Herzog A 2001. Prima
hedrons, puzzle feeders and television as environmental enrichment
for captive African Green Monkeys. Primate Eye, 4
"The access to television (mainly nature films) enhanced
the observation behaviour of the whole group for a short time.
Again, the adult males, but also the youngest offspring did not
appear to be interested."
Rumbaugh DM, Washburn DA, Savage-Rumbaugh ES 1989. On the care
of captive chimpanzees: Methods of enrichment. In Housing,
Care and Psychological Wellbeing of Captive and Laboratory Primates
Segal EF (ed), 357-375. Noyes Publications, Park Ridge
"Television can be a great source of environmental enrichment
if the chimpanzee can perceive the relevance of what it sees on
the screen to the world it knows."
*Baumans V, Coke
C, Green J, Moreau E, Morton D, Patterson-Kane E, Reinhardt A,
Reinhardt V, Van Loo P 2007 Making Lives Easier for Animals
in Research Labs - Chapter
4.7. Windows. Washington, DC: Animal Welfare Institute
"We expose our squirrel monkeys to natural daylight via
big windows during the summer. This is supplemented with artificial
light in late fall and early spring, when the days are short,
and throughout the winter. Some of our squirrel monkeys will lie
as close to the window as possible and let the sun rays dance
on their belly.
I've seen the same behavior in our marmosets. As soon as the sunlight
hits the window, the animals stop what they are doing, run over
to the window ledge, and start stretching out and basking in the
sunrays. There is no doubt in my mind that exposure to natural
light, especially sunlight, is highly appreciated by the animals.
All our rhesus macaques have access to one-way glass exterior
windows mounted high above ground level. I very often see the
animals gather up, attentively gazing out of the windows towards
the source of some noise, at caretakers, activities in the garden
and birds. One would think that exposure to daylight and the natural
diurnal rhythm couldn't be anything else but a good thing for
these animals."
Lynch R, Baker D 2000. Primate
Enrichment: A room with a view. Laboratory Primate Newsletter
39(1), 12
Pairs were transferred to a play room with windows for 1½
hours every ten days. "During the past year, we have observed
that the primates spend about an hour of their time looking out
the windows."
Eckert K, Niemeyer C, Anonymous , Rogers RW, Seier J, Ingersoll
B, Barklay L, Brinkman C, Oliver S, Buckmaster C, Knowles L, Pyle
S 2000. Wooden
objects for enrichment: A discussion. Laboratory Primate
Newsletter 39(3), 1-4
"It seems that there is a general consensus that wooden
objects provide inexpensive, safe, long-term and effective stimulation
for the expression of non-injurious, species-typical behaviors
such as perching, gnawing, gouging, manipulating and playing"
without causing health and hygienic problems.
Etheridge MA, O'Malley J 1996. Diarrhea and peritonitis due
to traumatic perforation of the stomach in a rhesus macaque (hardware
disease). Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science
35(5), 57-78
"Abdominal radiographic views indicated ingestion of approximately
20 pieces of wire that came from an old automobile tire hung in
the outdoor monkey pen to provide environmental enrichment."
Hahn NE, Lau D, Eckert K, Markowitz H 2000. Environmental enrichment-related
injury in a macaque (Macaca fascicularis): Intestinal linear
foreign body. Comparative Medicine 50, 556-558
"As a result of this incidence [ingested sisal rope pieces
leading to multiple ulcerations, perforations, septic peritonitis]
sisal rope enrichment devices were immediately removed from all
macaque cages in the facility."
Mahoney CJ 1992. Some thoughts on psychological enrichment.
Lab Animal 21(5), 27,29,32-37
"Facilities must exercise caution when installing such
climbing devices as vertically hanging or horizontally suspended
ropes and chains - these must not crisscross or be too slack,
because an animal can strangle its neck, limbs, or other body
parts."
Murchison MA 1993. Potential
animal hazard with ring toys. Laboratory Primate Newsletter
32(1), 1-2
"Recently one animal, a 2-year-old pigtail macaque (Macaca
nemestrina), approximate weight 3.1 kg, became trapped inside
a Nylaring. The ring went around the neck, across the body, and
under one arm. Since the animal was apparently unable to remove
the ring, he was anesthetized and the ring manually removed."
Novak MA, Rulf A, Munroe H, Parks K, Price C, O'Neill PL, Suomi
SJ 1995. Using a standard to evaluate the effects of environmental
enrichment. Lab Animal 24(6), 37-42
Monkeys maintained on pine wood shavings for a long period
of time showed an increase in agonism, scratch, and stereotypy.
Reinhardt V 1997. The
Wisconsin Gnawing Stick. Animal Welfare Information Center
(AWIC) Newsletter 7(3-4), 11-12
"All caged rhesus macaques (more than 700 animals) and
all caged stumptailed macaques (approximately 36 animals) have
continual access to gnawing sticks since that time [1989]. ...
Long-term exposure to the sticks has resulted in no recognizable
health hazards."
Shefferly N, Fritz J, Howell S 1993. Toys
as environmental enrichment for captive juvenile chimpanzees (Pan
troglodytes). Laboratory Primate Newsletter 32(2),
7-9
"Whereas contact with the indestructible toy ball decreased
over time, destructible objects maintained a consistent level
of interest throughout the toys lifespan. ... There were no health
problems or injuries associated with the destructible objects.
No pieces of plastic were found in feces, indicating that none
had been ingested."
Tresz H 1997. Providing enrichment at no cost. The Shape
of Enrichment 6(4), 1-4
"Green pine cones can cause severe diarrhea. Keepers should
work only with old, opened-up pinecones."
American Society of Primatologists
2000. American Society of Primatologists guidelines for the ethical
treatment of nonhuman primates. ASP Bulletin 24(4), 4
"ASP members hold the following general principles
in common:
1. The most important of these principles is that we accept the
responsibility of stewardship for nonhuman primates, and this
responsibility must [sic] be reflected in our husbandry
practices and research protocols whether in field, laboratory,
or other setting.
3. Research with nonhuman primates should avoid pain and distress
at every opportunity.
5. We should make use of information on a species natural history
to improve management and enrich environments, because physical
and psychological well-being are essential not only to the health
of the animals but also to the validity of the research results.
6. Finally, we recognize that our concern should be extended to
nonhuman primates once they have become 'surplus' to our research
needs. This obligation entails ensuring quality care to the end
of their natural lives whenever possible. .. While recognizing
that some professional believe euthanasia is an acceptable way
to deal with surplus animals in some cases, we strongly urge that
other solutions be found whenever possible."
Canadian Council on Animal Care 1984. Chapter XX: Non-human primates. In Guide to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals, Volume 2 Canadian Council on Animal Care (ed), 163-173. Canadian Council on Animal Care, Ottawa, Canada "Any primate housed alone will probably suffer from social deprivation, the stress from which may distort processes, both physiological and behavioural."
Canadian Council on Animal Care 1993.
Guide
to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals, Volume 1, 2nd
Edition. Canadian Council on Animal Care, Ottawa, Canada
"All animals must be observed at least once daily.
.. The social needs of animals used in research, teaching, or
testing, should be given equal consideration with environmental
factors such as lighting, heating, ventilations and containment
(caging). Particularly in the case of singly housed animals, daily
observation provides an alternative from of social contact for
the animal and commonly facilitates handling in that the animal
becomes accustomed to the human presence. .. Most animals should
not be housed singly unless required by medical condition, aggression,
or dictates of the study. Singly housed animals should have some
degree of social contact with others of their own kind. .. In
the interest of well-being, a social environment is desired for
each animal which will allow basic social contacts and positive
social relationships. Social behaviour assists animals to cope
with circumstances of confinment. .. Restraint procedures should
only be invoked after all other less stressful procedures have
been rejected as alternatives. ... Physiological, biochemical
and hormonal changes occur in any restraint animal ... and investigators
should consider how these effects will influence their proposed
experiments."
*Council of Europe
2006 Appendix
A of the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate
Animals Used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes (ETS
No. 123) enacted June 15, 2007. Strasbourg, France: Council
of Europe
Progressive regulations pertaining to the species-appropriate
housing and handling of animals kept in research labs.
"Because the common laboratory non-human primates are social
animals, they should be housed with one or more compatible conspecifics.
.. Single housing should only occur if there is justification
on veterinary or welfare ground. Single housing on experimental
grounds should be determined in consultation with the animal technician
and with the competent person charged with advisory duties in
relation to the well-being of the animals.
Primates dislike being handled and are stressed by it; training
animals to co-operate should be encouraged, as this will reduce
the stress otherwise caused by handling. Training the animals
is a most important aspect of husbandry, particularly in long-term
studies. .. Training can often be employed to encourage the animals
to accept minor interventions, such as blood sampling.
The flight reaction of non-human primates from terrestrial predators
is vertical, rather than horizontal; even the least arboreal species
seek refuge in trees or on cliff faces. As a result, enclosure
height should be adequate to allow the animal to perch at a sufficiently
high level for it to feel secure. .. The minimum enclosure height
for caged marmosets and tamarins is 1.5 m; the minimum enclosure
height for caged squirrel monkeys, macaques, vervets and baboons
is 1.8 m. .. The structural division of space in primate enclosures
is of paramount importance. It is essential that the animals should
be able to utilise as much of the volume as possible because,
being arboreal, they occupy a three-dimensional space. The make
this possible, perches and climbing structures should be provided."
Home Office 1989. Animals
(Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Code of Practice for the Housing
and Care of Animals Used in Scientific Procedures. Her
Majesty's Stationery Office, London, UK
"Experimental results may be influenced by environmental
conditions. .... Unstable environmental conditions are likely
to introduce avoidable variability into biological responses.
To demonstrate any experimental response against such a variable
background generates a requirement for greater animal usage if
the result is to be statistically valid. Good control of variables
... can therefore contribute both to good science and to the minimisation
of animal use. .. The shape of the cage and the furniture provided
may be as important to the animal as the overall size of the cage.
..All animals must be allowed to exercise. For the smaller species,
this should usually be achieved by providing adequately sized
cages or pens and sometimes play objects. ... For larger species,
special arrangements will usually be required for social contact
as well as exercise. ... The behaviour of an animal during a procedure
depends on the confidence it has in its handler. This confidence
is developed through regular human contact and, once established,
should be preserved. .. Where appropriate, time should be set
aside for handling and grooming. All staff, both scientific and
technical, should be sympathetic, gentle and firm when dealing
with animals. .. The least distressing method of handling is to
train the animal to co-operate in routine procedures. Advantage
should be taken of the animal's ability to learn."
Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources
1980. Laboratory Animal Management: Nonhuman Primates.
National Academy Press, Washington, DC
"Lighting should be uniformly diffused throughout
the area and provide adequate illumination for good house-keeping
practices, adequate inspection of animals, and safe working conditions
for personnel."
Institute for Laboratory Animal Research
1992. Recognition
and alleviation of pain and distress in laboratory animals.
National Academy Press, Washington, DC
"The purposes of this book are to increase awareness of
the sources and manifestations of stress and distress in laboratory
animals and to increase ethical sensitivity in those who use and
care for them. (It might also, indirectly, help to reduce the
number of animals needed for experimental purposes: uncontrolled
pain or distress can increase variability in experimental data
and so require the use of more animals in a study for it to achieve
statistical significance.)
Stress is the effect produced by external (i.e., physical
or environmental) events or internal (i.e., physiologic or psychologic)
factors, referred to as stressors, which
induce an alteration in an animal's biologic equilibrium. ...
Examples of potential stressors that cause psychologic stress
[include] fear, anxiety, boredom, loneliness, separation.
Distress is an aversive state in which an animal is unable
to adapt completely to stressors and the resulting stress and
shows maladaptive behaviors" such as coprophagy, hair-pulling,
self-biting, and repetitive stereotyped movements. ... Such behaviors,
like maladaptive ones, should be interpreted as causing harm to
the animal and producing unwanted variability in research data.
... The identification and control of these [environmental] stressors
from the animals' or species' perspective constitute good husbandry
and are a primary responsibility of all who care for or use animals
in a laboratory setting. ... Behavioral changes, however, are
the earliest signs of stress or distress that most animal care
staff and researchers are likely to confront. Skilled observers
who know the behavior of a particular species or strain of animal
and of the individual animals under their care could provide a
reliable assessment of the state of the animals. That reliability
is seriously compromised when few animal care staff and researchers
are afforded the time or training necessary for them to become
skilled observers. ... Recognition, or anticipation, that a particular
event will be perceived as an important stressor by an animal
requires knowledge not only of the stressor, but of the species-typical
responses to situations and of the experience of the particular
animal. ... Stroking and handling by humans can be a practical
and effective technique for calming animals in situations where
they are distressed, particularly animals that have been positively
socialized by humans."
*International
Primatological Society 2007 IPS
International Guidelines for the Acquisition, Care and Breeding
of Nonhuman Primates. Bronx, NY: International Primatological
Society
"There is an acute need for the training of professional
and technical personnel in veterinary care, psychological well-being,
handling and general management of captive primates and the requirements
of species and individuals. Well-trained, competent and motivated
personnel can make an enormous difference in improving the welfare
of captive primates.
Pair or group housing in an enclosure must be considered the norm
for gregarious animals, but only compatible (socially, virological
status, etc.) animals should be kept together. Infectious disease
study does not necessarily preclude the ability to keep primates
in pairs or groups in the same enclosure, without interfering
with study validity. Many infectious disease studies are carried
out in paired or grouped primates. the same is true of many other
types of studies and procedures, such as pharmacokinetic studies
and drug safety testing. .. Individual subjects can be accessed
for testing and manipulation through good enclosure design, separation
chutes and training using positive reinforcement techniques. ..
For experimental animals, where housing in groups is not possible,
keeping them in compatible pairs is a viable alternative social
arrangement. Single caging should only be allowed where there
is an approved protocol justification on veterinary or welfare
grounds.
A two-tiered system is not recommended as these cages are usually
too small. The lower tiers do not allow primates to engage in
their vertical flight response, are often darker, and animals
in the lower cages tend to receive less attention from attending
personnel.
Adequate space alone does not in itself provide for good welfare,
but larger enclosures allow greater complexity of cage furnishings
and other enrichments, and greater flexibility for meeting social
needs.
Illumination of each cage should be uniform and sufficient for
adequate inspection of animals.
As animals like to work for their food, increasing processing
time, increasing foraging, or providing puzzle feeders or other
feeding devices is encouraged.
Infants should not be separated from their natal group at an early
age but should remain with their mother until weaning age which
varies greatly between species.
Primates of many species can be quickly trained using positive
reinforcement techniques to cooperate with a wide range of scientific,
veterinary and husbandry procedures. Such training is advocated
whenever possible as a less stressful alternative to traditional
methods using physical restraint. Techniques that reduce or eliminate
adverse effects not only benefit animal welfare but can also enhance
the quality of scientific research, since suffering in animals
can result in physiological changes which are, at least, likely
to increase variability in experimental data and, at worst, may
even invalidate the research. Restraint procedures should be used
only when less stressful alternatives are not feasible."
International Primatological Society
1993. IPS
International guidelines for the acquisition, care and breeding
of nonhuman primates, Codes of Practice 1-3. Primate Report
35, 3-29
Internationally accepted professional standards for
the housing, handling of and environmental enrichment for nonhuman
primates. "Size of enclosure is only of significance in terms
of usable space and complexity within. .. The vertical dimension
of the cage is of importance [because of the vertical flight response]
and cages where the monkey is able to perch above human eye level
are recommended. ... A compatible conspecific probably provides
more appropriate stimulation to a captive primate than any other
potential environmental enrichment factor. .. Monkeys should,
unless there are compelling reasons for not doing so, be housed
socially. ... Young monkey should not normally be separated from
its mother at an early age (i.e., at 3-6 months) but should remain
in contact for one year to 18 months, in most species. There is
unlikely to be any greater productivity through early weaning,
in seasonally breeding species, such as rhesus monkeys. Even in
non-seasonal breeders, any slight increase in productivity must
be offset against the resulting behavioural abnormalities of the
offspring."
International Primatological Society
1989. IPS International Guidelines for the acquisition, care and
breeding of nonhuman primates. Primate Report 25, 3-27
"Illumination should be uniform and sufficient
for adequate inspection of animals and safe working conditions
for personnel, but not obtrusive to the well-being of the animals.
.. Restraint procedures should be used only when less stressful
alternatives are not feasible. .. Primates of many species can
be trained for sample procedures, such as presenting a limb for
a blood collection, and such training is advocated whenever possible,
using positive reinforcement."
Medical Research Council 2004. MRC
Ethics Guide: Best Practice in the Accomodation and Care of Primates
used in Scientific Research. Medical Research Council,
London, UK
"Primates must [sic] be provided with a complex
and stimulating environment that promotes good health and psychological
well-being and provides full [sic] opportunity for social interactions,
exercise and to express a range of behaviours appropriate to the
species. .. The volume and height of the cage (or enclosure) are
particularly important for macaques and marmosets, which flee
upwards when alarmed. Their cages and enclosures should be floor-to-ceiling
high whenever possible, allowing the animals to move up to heights
where they feel secure. Double-tiered cages should not be used
since they restrict the amount of vertical space available to
the animals. Special justification should be given for using cages
with grid floors (eg, compelling scientific or veterinary reasons)
as this restricts the opportunity to provide substrate and forage.
In the case of macaques, cages should be linked to a play area
or enclosure .. They should have unlimited access to this area
unless it is necessary to confine them for scientific, husbandry,
veterinary or welfare purposes. Where security permits, the accommodation
should have natural light. .. Primates should be socially housed
as compatible pairs or groups, depending on their age and sex
and the nature of the scientific procedures or study. .. Primates
should not be singly housed unless there is exceptional scientific
or veterinary justification. .. Cages and enclosures should be
furnished to encourage primates to express their full [sic] range
of behaviours. Depending on the species, this should normally
include provision for resting, running, climbing, leaping and
foraging. ..Shelves, ladders and branches should be made from
wood wherever possible even though they will have to be replaced
more often. .. The cage and enclosure should provide the animals
with an area of privacy. .. To help prevent boredom, novelty should
be regularly introduced into the environment, for example, by
re-arranging some of the cage furniture. .. The MRC will require
justification for the use of scientific procedures that restrict
the opportunity to forage. .. Positive reinforcement techniques
should be used to train primates to cooperate with catching, handling,
restraint and research procedures. The routine use of squeeze-back
cages and nets should be actively discouraged."
National Center for the Replacement,
Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research. 2006 Non-human
Primates. London: National Center for the Replacement,
Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research
"Basic requirements for good primate housing include the
following: Housing in stable, compatible groups (pairs at least);
enough space for exercise, a range of normal behaviours and suitable
enrichment; solid floors with substrate; sufficient enclosure
height to allow vertical flight if alarmed; no double tiers; climbing
structures to increase useable space (perches, platforms, swings,
ropes, ladders); sufficient for all animals to occupy simultaneously;
a varied diet appropriate for the species; the ability to forage,
including appropriate artificial feeding devices and scatter feeding;
adequate light levels; access to outdoors wherever possible; nest
boxes for species that use them, e.g. marmosets; wood for gnawing
and scent-marking for species that use it, e.g. marmosets; visual
barriers for control over social interactions; toys, chews, tactile
materials, destructible materials to provide a degree of control
over the environment; novelty - minor changes in furniture, feeding
practices, toys; Adequate socialization and habituation to humans,
and training where appropriate."
National Center for the Replacement,
Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research. 2006 NC3Rs
Guidelines: Primate Accomodation, Care and Use. London:
National Center for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction
of Animals in Research
"The guidelines were developed by reviewing the published
literature and through consultation with the scientific community,
veterinary and animal care staff, the Animals (Scientific Procedures)
Inspectorate, and animal welfare organisations. They represent
a framework for applying and reviewing the expectations of the
funding bodies in the humane [sic] use of primates. The guidelines
set out contemporary best practice in the use of primates in biomedical,
biological, veterinary and behavioural research, and include principles
relating to the source, housing, capture, handling, restraint
and training of primates. .. They are readily applicable to the
majority of research programmes using primates. .. Cages and enclosures
should be floor to ceiling high whenever possible, with adequate
perching to allow all animals to move up to heights where they
feel more secure. .. Double-tiered cages should not be used since
they restrict the amount of vertical space available to the animals.
.. Where security permits, the accomodation should have natural
light. .. Primates should be socially-housed as compatible pairs
or groups. .. Primates should not be housed singly unless there
is exceptional [sic] scientific or veterinary justification. ..
The vertical and horizontal dimensions of the cage and enclosure
should be exploited fully by incorporating shelves, logs, ladders,
climbing structures, branches, hammocks, swings, ropes and objects
to manipulate. .. Shelves, ladders and branches should be made
from wood wherever possible. .. All primates should be given the
opportunity to forage daily, by scattering food in litter or substrate
on the floor, or in a tray, and by using devices that encourage
foraging activity. .. Positive reinforcement techniques should
be used to train primates to cooperate with capture, handling,
restraint and research procedures. The routine use of squeeze-back
cages and nets should be actively discouraged."
National Health and Medical Research
Council 2004. Australian
Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific
Purposes 7th Edition. Australian Government Publishing
Service, Canberra, Australia
"People who use animals for scientific purposes
have an obligation to treat them with respect and consider their
welfare as an essential factor when planning and conducting studies."
National Health and Medical Research
Council [NHMRC] Animal Welfare Committee 2003. Policy
on the Use of Non-Human Primates in Medical Research.
National Health and Medical Research Council, Canberra, Australia
"Social interaction is paramount for well-being.
Social deprivation in all its forms must be avoided. ... Animals
that need to be individually caged, either for experimental or
holding purpose (for example, aggressive adult males), must be
given contact with conspecific animals. ... Accomodation should
provide an environment which is as varied as possible. It should
meet the behavioural requirements of the species being used and
must provide access to an outside enclosure for animals held long-term
(that is, longer than six weeks). ... Emphasis must be placed
on environmental enrichment."
National Research Council 1996. Guide for the
Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 7th Edition. National
Academy Press, Washington, DC
"Proper care, use, and humane treatment of animals
used in research, testing, and education .. require scientific
and professional judgment based on knowledge of the needs of the
animals. .. A good management program provides the environment,
housing, and care that ... minimizes variations that can affect
research. .. Animals should be housed with the goal of maximizing
species-specific behaviors and minimizing stress-induced behaviors.
For social species, this normally requires housing in compatible
pairs or groups. .. In general, lighting should be diffused throughout
an animal holding area and provide sufficient illumination for
the well-being of the animals and to allow good housekeeping practices,
adequate inspection of animals - including the bottom-most cages
in racks - and safe working conditions for personnel."
National Research Council 1998. The
Psychological Well-Being of Nonhuman Primates. National
Academy Press, Washington, DC
Meeting the criteria of psychological well-being implies:
· "Appropriate
social companionship.
· Opportunities
to engage in behavior related to foraging, exploration, and other
activities appropriate to the species, age, sex, and condition
of the animal.
· Housing
that permits suitable postural and locomotor expression.
· Interactions
with personnel that are generally positive and not a source of
unnecessary stress.
Procedures that reduce reliance on forced restraint ... are less
stressful for animals and staff, safer for both, and generally
more efficient. .. Social interactions are considered to be one
of the most important factors influencing the psychological well-being
of most nonhuman primates. ... Knowing that most primates benefit
from social interactions, it should be obvious tht they can be
harmed by a lack of social interaction. .. The common practice
of housing rhesus monkeys singly calls for special attention.
.. Every effort should be made to house these [singly caged] animals
socially (in groups or pairs), but when this is not possible,
the need for single housing should be documented by investigators
and approved by the IACUC. ... Although the causes of self-directed
biting are poorly understood, prolonged individual housing is
probably an influential contributing factor.
... To reduce the stress of physical restraint, many primates
can be trained for routine procedures. ... Under natural conditions,
many primates spend much of their lives aboveground and escape
upward to avoid terrestrial threats. Therefore, these animals
might perceive the presence of humans above them as particularly
threatening .. Even macaques, which some describe as semiterrestrial,
spend most of the day in elevated locations and seek the refuge
of trees at night ..Optimal use of available cage space might
well depend more on the placement of perches, platforms, moving
and stationary supports, and refuges than on cage size itself.
.. The animal technician's and caregiver's roles are pivotal to
the social support of primates, particularly animals that are
singly caged. .. Enrichment methods that have not been subjected
to empirical testing should be viewed simply as invalidated ideas,
regardless of how well intended they might be."
Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare
(OLAW) 2006 Enrichment
for Nonhuman Primates. Bethesda, MD: Office of Laboratory
Animal Welfare
"This book serves as an introduction to the basic behavior
and environmental enrichment." In baboons "boredom,
stress and, ultimately, problem behavior may result from confinement
in small enclosures, lack of enrichment activities, solitary housing
... Examples of abnormal behavior patterns .... are hair eating
and regurgitation. .. More severe problems, such as self-biting,
also have been reported in captive baboons. ... Captive chimpanzees
may develop bad habits, including strange behaviors not normally
seen in the wild. [e.g. hair plucking] ... Diarrhea may be a response
to psychological stress. ... Because of the intrinsic social nature
of macaques, pair or group housing of compatible animals is extremely
important. ... Because of the animals' [macaques] tendency to
flee upward when escaping a perceived threat, they benefit from
perches, shelves or other structures that increase the three-dimensional
space of the enclosure. Generally, older macaques prefer a non-moving
shelf or perch, while the younger ones will readily use swings.
... Because the monkeys will chew on these toys, they should be
relatively durable, such as heavy-duty dog toys. ... Rotating
different toys in the enclosure and removing them periodically
will help to keep the toys novel and increase the animals' interest
in them. ... Abnormal behaviors are an undesirable consequence
of captive housing, reflecting an inadequate environment for maintaining
the animal. ... Redirection of an abnormal behavior [e.g., via
fleece etc.] is not a 'cure' and should only be regarded as a
temporary correction." ... "Self-injurious behaviors"
... "such as self hair-pulling and self-biting, often are
the result of unusual stress". They also occur in squirrel
monkeys where "'pacing' may be eliminated by increasing the
animal's available travel paths by installing additional perches."
Organisation for Economic Co-Operation
and Development [OECD] 2000. Guidance
Document on the Recognition, Assessment, and Use of Clincal Signs
as Humane Endpoints for Experimental Animals Used in Safety Evaluation
[OECD Guidance Document No. 19 on Humane Endpoints]. OECD,
Paris, France
"A humane endoint can be defined as the earliest indicator
in an animal experiment of severe pain, severe distress, suffering,
or impending death. .. Pain can be defined as an upleasant sensory
and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue
damage, or described in terms of such damage." Distress is
"An aversive state resulting from maladaption or inability
to adapt to stressors. .. Distress is usually associated with
a change in motility or locomotion, and can result in stereotype
behaviour. .. Retreat to a corner of the cage or excessive struggling
or vocalisation on dosing are examples of distress in anticipation
of an experimental procedure. .. If something is known to cause
suffering in humans, it should be assumed to cause suffering in
animals."
Prentice ED, Zucker IH, Jameton A
1986. Ethics of animal welfare in research: The institution's
attempt to achieve appropriate social balance. The Physiologist
29, 1&19-21
"Physical restraint procedures
should be used on awake animals only after alternative procedures
have been considered and found to be inadequate. If a restraint
will be utilized the animal should be trained or conditioned to
the restraining device, using positive reinforcement, prior to
the beginning of the experiment"
Public Health Service (PHS) 1996.
U.S.
Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate
Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training. In Guide
for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals National Research
Council 117-118. National Academy Press, Washington, DC
"Unless the contrary is established, investigators should
consider that procedures that cause pain or distress in human
beings may cause pain or distress in other animals."
Smith JA, Boyd KMe 2003. The Boyd
Group of papers on: The use of non-human primates in research
and testing. Animal Technology and Welfare 2, 89-97
"Unless specifically justified, infants should remain
with their mothers until they are no longer dependent on them.
.. The minimum cage sizes for both marmosets and macaques detailed
in the Home Office guidance (1989), and the European standards,
are inadequate - particularly in respect of vertical dimensions
of cages - and do not reflect current best practices. ... Every
effort should be made to train non-human primates to accept routine
scientific procedures, and so minimise the stress caused to the
animals."
USDA 2002. Animal
Welfare Regulations Revised as of January 1, 2002 [Code of
Federal Regulations, Title 9, Chapter 1, Parts 1-4 United States
Department of Agriculture]. U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington
"Handling of all animals shall be done as expeditiously
and carefully as possible in a manner that does not cause trauma,
overheating, excessive cooling, behavioral stress, physical harm,
or unnecessary discomfort. ... Deprivation of food or water shall
not be used to train, work, or otherwise handle animals. .. Lighting
must be uniformly diffused throughout animal facilities and provide
sufficient illumination to aid in maintaining good housekeeping
practices, adequate cleaning, adequate inspection for animals,
and for the well-being of the animals. .. Inadequate space may
be indicated by ... stress, or abnormal behavior patterns. ..
Primary enclosures .. must [sic] provide sufficient space for
the nonhuman primates to make normal postural adjustments with
freedom of movement. .. These minimum space requirements must
[sic] be met even if perches and ledges, swings, or other suspended
fixtures are placed in the enclosure. .. Research facilities must
[sic] develop, document, and follow an appropriate plan for environmental
enhancement. .. The plan must [sic] include specific provisions
to address the social needs of nonhuman primates. .. The physical
environment in the primary enclosures must be enriched by providing
means of expressing species-typical activities."
Working Party for the Preparation
of the Fourth Multilateral Consultation of Parties to the European
Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals Used for Experimental
and Other Scientific Purposes (ETS 123) 2000. Proposal
II (General part of Appendix A). Council of Europe, Strasbourg,
France
"Consideration should be given to windows, since they
are a source of natural light and can provide environmental enrichment
for some species, especially primates. ...Animals should be socially
housed whenever possible and provided with an adequately complex
environment within the enclosures to enable them to carry out
a range of normal behaviours. Restricted environments can lead
to behavioural and physiological abnormalities and affect the
validity of scientific data. ... Unless otherwise specified, additional
surface areas provided by cage inserts such as shelves should
be provided in addition to the recommended minimum floor areas.
.. The flooring should provide a solid, comfortable resting area
for all animals. .. Animal care staff are expected, at all times,
to have caring and respectful attitude towards animals in their
care, and to be proficient in their handling and restraint. ..
Where appropriate, staff time should be set aside for talking,
handling and grooming."
Zimmermann M 1987. Ethical principles
for the maintenance and use of animal in neuroscience research.
Neuroscience Letters 73, 1
"Animals are generally accepted to be sentient and capable
of suffering, and to have species-specific requirements of living.
... Maintenance of experimental animals should account for species-specific
needs of accommodation, activity, feeding and social interactions
to the degree possible."
Baker KC, Weed JL, Crockett CM, Bloomsmith
MA 2007. Survey of environmental enhancement programs for laboratory
primates. American Journal of Primatology 69, 377-394
"Here we report the results of a 2003 survey that was
sent to individuals overseeing enrichment programs at a variety
of primate research institutions. Data were obtained on the management
of 35,863 primates in 22 facilities. While most primates were
reported to be housed socially (73%), social housing for indoor-housed
primates appears to have changed little over the past 10 years.
Research protocol issues and social incompatibility were commonly
cited constraints. Implementation of feeding, manipulanda, and
structural enrichment was relatively unconstrained, and contributions
to these aspects of behavioral management generally included individuals
in a wide variety of positions within a facility. In contrast,
enrichment devices were used on a less widespread basis within
facilities, and positive reinforcement programs that involved
dedicated trainers were rare."
"Social Housing: We focused on the indoor population to assess
the current status of efforts to reduce the use of single housing
in research. With outdoor-housed primates excluded from the analysis,
our sample included 17,663 individuals, 46% of which were housed
socially."
"Feeding Enrichment: All facilities included feeding enrichment
in their plans. No facilities provided fewer than half (1-50%)
of their nonhuman primates with feeding enrichment... Fruit was
distributed at all facilities, nuts and seeds at 95%, vegetables
at 91%, manufactured treats at 73%, and other items at 64% of
facilities."
"Manipulanda: All facilities employed manipulable objects.
Of the categories of manipulanda provided as response choices,
the items used most frequently were mirrors (100%), balls (95%),
synthetic chew toys (86%), and hanging toys (86%). Rattles were
provided at 68% of the facilities, wood at 59%, and bells at 18%."
"Devices: Ninety-one percent of facilities reported the use
of enrichment devices. Of the devices offered as response choices,
the most common were puzzle tube feeders (77% of facilities) and
Astroturf foraging boards (77%), followed by puzzle balls (59%),
fleece boards (36%) and other devices (36%)."
"Structural Enrichment: Most facilities reported providing
structural enrichment to all of their animals. All facilities
reported the use pf perches, 73% swings, 59% used barrels, 50%
bedding/nesting materials, 36% exercise cages or playrooms."
With respect to social housing, in the 1994 survey 38% of indoor-housed
macaque species were housed socially. In the current survey, among
these species, 44% of the individuals in cages wee housed socially.
This comparison indicates that the use of social housing for caged
primates has not expanded as substantially as many applied behavioral
scientists would have hoped.
Since the practice of single housing is a major risk factor for
the development of abnormal behavior, the continued prevalence
of single housing perpetuates the need for intervention."
Bayne K 1989 Resolving issues of psychological
well-being and management of laboratory nonhuman primates. In
Housing, Care and Psychological Wellbeing of Captive and Laboratory
Primates. Segal EF (ed), 27-39 . Noyes Publications, Park
Ridge, NJ
"The survey indicated that approximately 83% of adult
captive primates at NIH are caged alone. As only 9% of scientists
interviewed currently train their animals to go into transport
cages, the majority use squeeze panels to transfer animals or
to restrain them at the front of the cage. ..The most frequent
recommendations [of NIH scientists interviewed] were for larger
and more complex cages."
Prescott MJ, Buchanan-Smith HM 2007. Training laboratory-housed
non-human primates, part I: a UK survey. Animal Welfare
16(1), 21-36
Training using positive reinforcement is increasingly recognised
as a valuable tool for the humane and effective management and
use of laboratory-housed non-human primates. A survey was carried
out on the use of training and other learning processes (socialisation,
habituation and desensitisation) in over half of UK establishments
using and breeding primates. There is widespread awareness of
training as a refinement technique but it not used as widely or
as fully as it might be. We conclude that there is opportunity
for refinement of common scientific, veterinary and husbandry
procedures (such as blood and urine collection, injection, capture
from the group and weighing) through use of positive reinforcement
training, especially when combined with appropriate socialisation,
habituation and desensitation. Recommendations on best practice,
training techniques and staff education are given.
Reinhardt V 1994. Survey
of environmental enhancement for research macaques. Laboratory
Primate Newsletter 33(3), 1-2
A survey of 11 facilities. The percentage of caged macaques
permanently: a) exposed to enrichment objects ranged from 18%
to 100% with a mean of 86%, b) housed in pairs or small groups
ranged from 0% to 98% with a mean of 38%.
Öbrink KJ, Rehbinder C 1999. Animal definition: a necessity
for the validity of animal experiments? Laboratory Animals
22, 121-130
"'Material and Methods' section mostly reveals an obvious
or almost total lack of information about the animals. ... If
a researcher, through carelessness or ignorance, should use more
animals for a project than is necessary, it must be considered
unethical. ...Without hesitation, it is a scientific demand that
all factors that have not proven to be insignificant should be
checked, controlled or kept constant."
American Society of Primatologists 2000. American Society of
Primatologists guidelines for the ethical treatment of nonhuman
primates. ASP Bulletin 24(4), 4
"Despite their varied disciplines, ASP members hold the
following general principles in common:
1. The most important of these principles is that we accept the
responsibility of stewardship for nonhuman primates, and this
responsibility must [emphasis added] be reflected in our
husbandry practices and research protocols whether in field, laboratory,
or other setting.
2. The number of nonhuman primates used in research should be
the minimum required for valid research results.
3. Research with nonhuman primates should avoid pain and distress
at every opportunity.
4. In all cases, the potential benefits of any research should
be evaluated against the potential risks to their nonhuman primates
subjects.
5. We should make use of information on a species natural history
to improve management and enrich environments, because physical
and psychological well-being are essential not only to the health
of the animals but also to the validity of the research results.
6. Finally, we recognize that our concern should be extended to
nonhuman primates once they have become 'surplus' to our research
needs. This obligation entails ensuring quality care to the end
of their natural lives whenever possible. .. While recognizing
that some professional believe euthanasia is an acceptable way
to deal with surplus animals in some cases, we strongly urge that
other solutions be found whenever possible."
Arluke A 1994. The ethical socialization of animal researchers.
Lab Animal 23(6), 30-35
"In all but two of the 35 laboratories, newcomers faced
a closed moral universe where issues of morality were defined
institutionally, and hence rarely confronted by individuals. ...
It was controversial or risky to admit to having ethical concerns,
because to do so was tantamount to admitting that there really
was something morally wrong with animal experimentation, thereby
giving 'ammunition to the enemy'."
Association of Veterinarians for Animal
Rights 2005. Contemporary Veterinarian's
Oath. Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights,
Davis, CA
"Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine,
I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills to
protect the health and well-being of all nonhuman animals, to
relieve pain and suffering in nonhuman animals, to strengthen
the understanding of the inherent needs and interests of all nonhuman
animals, and to promote the preservation of wildlife and their
natural environment.
I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, compassion,
and integrity.
I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of
my professional knowledge and competence. "
*Baumans V, Coke
C, Green J, Moreau E, Morton D, Patterson-Kane E, Reinhardt A,
Reinhardt V, Van Loo P 2007 Making Lives Easier for Animals
in Research Labs - Chapter
2.1. How to Refer to an AnimalUsing the Proper Pronoun.
Washington, DC: Animal Welfare Institute
"As caregivers, we do not use the pronoun it when referring
to an animal. An animal is not an object! We do not think that
calling an animal he or she encourages anthropomorphism, but that
it does acknowledge the fact that we are dealing with an individual
sentient being who can feel discomfort, pain and distress in very
similar ways as we do. Calling individual animals he or she helps
us deal with something that deep down, we are not really comfortable
with namely the fact that these animals have no choice about deciding
whether they want to be used in research and then killed.
Referring to an animal as it is neither correct nor scientific,
because it overlooks the fact that animals, just like humans,
have a biological gender. Therefore, they should be referred to
accordingly with the correct pronouns he or she. When we label
an animal with the incorrect pronoun it, we risk treating the
animal like an inanimate object incapable of feeling discomfort,
pain and distress."
*Baumans V,
Coke C, Green J, Moreau E, Morton D, Patterson-Kane E, Reinhardt
A, Reinhardt V, Van Loo P 2007 Making Lives Easier for Animals
in Research Labs - Chapter
2.2. Higher- Versus Lower-Order Species. Washington, DC:
Animal Welfare Institute
"It seems that Refinement in the use of animals for research
includes choosing lower-order species rather than higher-order
species, presumably due to the assumption that the lower-order
animals suffer less and that their use in experiments poses fewer
ethical problems. Where do we draw the line?
For people who are using these terms, lower simply means less
like humans, and higher means more like humans. This terminology
is tied in with the incorrect view of evolution as a ladder of
progress toward especially evolved beings, such as humans. How
would animals, used by humans for biomedical research, classify
the human species? Of a high order? Crown of creation? Very unlikely!
I think all animals deserve the same consideration,
whether they are a rat or mouse of presumed low order or a dog
or monkey of presumed higher order. It seems strange to me to
categorize animals into different orders and then treat them accordingly."
Benn DM 1995. Innovations in research animal care. Journal
of the American Veterinary Medical Association 205, 465-468
"Implementing enriched housing programs and policies assists
the scientific community in meeting its ethical responsibilities
toward the animals used in research."
Canadian Council on Animal Care, Olfert ED, Cross BM, McWilliam
AA 1993. Guide
to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals, Volume 1, 2nd
Edition. Canadian Council on Animal Care, Ottawa
"We are morally responsible for any living thing that
we cause to be dependent upon us, including animals used in research,
teaching and testing."
Halpern-Lewis JG 1996. Understanding the emotional experiences
of animal research personnel. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory
Animal Science 35(6), 58-60
"Animal research personnel should be encouraged to join
in the pursuit of progress with the recognition that, in addition
to knowledge and skills, primary attributes must be feelings of
compassion and sensitivity toward animals. Because animals cannot
speak for themselves, it is up to empathetic and caring personnel
to see that they are treated humanely and with respect. A variety
of suggestions have been provided to enable research participants
to perform necessary tasks without impeding experimental results
or detracting from the integrity of the animal-human relationship.
It is my belief that individuals who demonstrate caring behaviors
while being allowed appropriate outlets for expression will remarkably
enrich the overall research experience of humans and animals alike."
Herzog H 2002. Ethical aspects of
relationships between humans and research animals. ILAR [Institute
for Laboratory Animal Research] Journal 43(1), 27-32
"More often than not, moral dilemmas are the result
of good people trying to do the right thing when the right thing
is unclear. .. I have spoken with some animal care staff who have
complained about investigators who rarely set foot in their institution's
animal colony and who appear to regard research animals as organ
repositories. In addition, some researchers show little understanding
of the ethical problems faced by technicians. .. There is every
reason to believe that individuals who care about their wards
on a personal level actually treat the animals better. .. Inevitably,
individuals who work with animals in the context of biomedical
and behavioral research will sometimes form bonds with the animals
with whom they interact. When an animal is transformed from `object'
to `pet,' its moral status is changed. Although human-research
animal relationships may enhance the well-being of laboratory
animals, they involve a moral cost to the human caretakers. Institutions
should acknowledge the existence of these bonds and provide support
mechanisms to help laboratory personnel deal with the moral challenges
of their profession."
Mroczek NS 1994. Recognizing animal suffering and pain. Lab
Animal 23(1), 27-31
Highlights the "human conditioning to the incongruous
position that considers animals dissimilar to humans with respect
to drive, need, or sensation, yet similar enough to be used as
models for the study of humans themselves. ... Identification,
sympathy, and positive regard by a scientist or animal care worker
can, most of all, help to encourage optimum care and treatment
of animals in pain. Recognition of animals suffering and pain
is made possible by feeling for and interest in animals themselves,
as sentient organisms, first and foremost, and feeling for and
interest in animal behavior in totality."
Petto AJ, Buchanan-Smith H 1994. Psychological well-being and
other projections of the human condition: Their meaning for research
activities with non-human primates. XVth Congress of the International
Primatological Society, 359
"The often cited paradox for researchers studying nonhuman
primates is that we must consider them sufficiently similar to
us so that our studies will be valid and significant; at the same
time we must consider them sufficiently different that we can
study them in ways that are ethically objectionable for studying
fellow humans."
Public Health Service (PHS) 1996. U.S.
Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate
Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training. In Guide
for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals National Research
Council 117-118. National Academy Press, Washington
Principle IV states that "Proper use of animals, including
the avoidance or minimization of discomfort, distress, and pain
when consistent with sound scientific practices, is imperative.
Unless the contrary is established, investigators should consider
that procedures that cause pain or distress in human beings may
cause pain or distress in other animals."
Reese EP 1991. The role of husbandry in promoting the welfare
of laboratory animals. In Animals in Biomedical Research
Hendriksen CFM, Koeter HBWM (eds), 155-192. Elsevier, Amsterdam,
NL
"That many scientists lack detailed information about
their animals, especially their behavior, is distressing and reflects
a serious disregard for the single most important element of their
research. ... The animal is the key to the entire experiment.
... There is only one 'right' attitude, and that is respect for
the individual animal."
Röder EL, Timmermans PJA 2002.
Housing and care of monkeys and apes in laboratories: adaptations
allowing essential species-specific behaviour. Laboratory Animals
36, 222-241
"An animal is not a survival machine but a genetically
programmed organism. A machine 'survives' longest if it is maintained
properly but not used. An animal, however, needs to use the functions
that evolved for its survival, in order to keep those functions
from decay and deterioration. Whoever deliberately chooses a species
because of its specific properties, in his own interest should
be expected to take care that these properties remain unimpaired."
Reinhardt V 1996. Letter to the Editor. Lab Animal 25(5),
42
"I was a bit surprised that the animals of my article
lost their biological gender and were referred to in the neuter
gender, like things. Perhaps this sounds more scientific, but
it actually is scientifically incorrect. Animals with neuter gender
cannot reproduce. A female is a 'she' and not an 'it', and a male
is a 'he' and not an 'it'."
Schwindaman D 1991. The 1985 animal welfare act amendments.
In Through the Looking Glass. Issues of Psychological Well-being
in Captive Nonhuman Primates Novak MA, Petto AJ (eds), 26-32.
American Psychological Association, Washington
"While we [veterinarians] pledge to take responsibility
for the welfare of animals, we also vow to use scientific knowledge
and skills for the advancement of medical knowledge. The wise
composer of this oath saw no conflict between relieving animal
suffering and advancing science. Indeed, there is none."
Spaeth GL 1994. Editorial: Caring for animals, caring for ourselves.
Ophthalmic Surgery 25, 426
"Our behavior to other creatures reflects our own characters.
We are shaped by what we do. When we act uncaringly toward experimental
animals we become uncaring human beings. What is the worth of
medical miracles achieved at the cost of inflicting trauma on
others that cannot help but scar our own characters? When we act
uncaringly towards experimental animals, we damage ourselves.
When we hurt experimental animals, we hurt ourselves."
Traystman RJ 1987. ACUC, who needs it? The investigator's viewpoint.
Laboratory Animal Science 37(Special issue), 108-110
"The investigator, above all, wants to pursue his or her
research activities, be they of basic science or clinical nature.
The academic and intellectual freedom to pursue these activities
is crucial to the livelihood of any investigator... Most investigators
think only briefly about the care and handling of their animals
and clearly have not made it an important consideration in their
work. .. All investigators consider themselves upstanding citizens
of excellent ethical and moral character. Their feeling may be
that since they are moral and ethical in every sense of the word,
they are quite capable of monitoring their own animals without
outside interference."
Zbinden G 1985. Ethical consideration in toxicology. Food
and Chemical Toxicology 23, 137-138
"Toxicologists must realize that their important mission
... does not give them an unconditional license to kill as many
animals as they wish and hide behind regulatory requirements,
testing guidelines and bureaucratic prescriptions for good laboratory
practice."