Rose, A. M., Ferrecchia, C. E., Van Andel, R. 2014. Developing an enrichment plan for water-regulated nonhuman primates. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 565 (Abstract #P60).

Environmental enrichment for nonhuman primates is an essential requirement in laboratory animal research. The Animal Welfare Regulations and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals state that the facility’s enrichment program must enhance the psychologic wellbeing of nonhuman primates, as well as promote species-specific behaviors. Oftentimes, environmental enrichment plans include the provision of various food items including produce. However, many nonhuman primates involved in neuroscience research require strict regulation of daily water intake, thus prohibiting enrichment items with high water content is scientifically justified. As a result, alternatives to simply offering fruit or vegetables are critical to supporting a stimulating and enhanced indoor housing atmosphere. Daily enrichment is primarily offered in the form of manipulanda placed inside or on the outside of the cage which are rotated out daily to provide variety while avoiding monotony and habituation. Some commonly available commercial enrichment devices may successfully consume much of the nonhuman primates’ time, but do not allow for a variety of healthy offerings to be successfully placed inside the device. Furthermore, these devices have a history of breaking easily. The nonhuman primate care staff in collaboration with the veterinary staff developed a plan to include new devices of varying difficulty built inhouse that would offer added possibilities in terms of dry food items to place inside while still maintaining the desired time consuming quality. These devices were constructed of readily available materials such as polyvinyl chloride pipes, metal chain links, metal clips, and epoxy. In addition, this plan included specifications for visual and auditory enrichment, caretaker interaction, and increased cage space via play cages and cage extensions. This enrichment plan has proved to be successful in enhancing the environment of our water-regulated nonhuman primates and has decreased the incidence of stereotypic behaviors as well.