Collaborating for the Successful Retirement and End-of-Life Care of Non-Human Primates in Biomedical Research

Some scientific research necessitates the use of animal models, including monkeys. To honor the animals used in research, when possible, institutions seek opportunities to adopt out or retire their animals at the conclusion of studies. Primates, including macaque monkeys, are socially and psychologically complex animals and require specialized care from experts. Therefore, they cannot be adopted out to private owners and must only be retired to accredited facilities. However, retiring former research monkeys to sanctuaries can be costly to the institution and it may be stressful for the animals to move to an entirely new environment. Therefore, we developed a program to provide life-long care for retired macaques at our institution. Here, we describe how veterinarians, researchers, and behavioral managers collaborate to provide individualized care for primates in retirement. Our monkey retirement program allows for continuity of care for our monkeys, allows them to live with other macaques, and guarantees them individualized treatment plans for their clinical and behavioral needs. All retired animals are monitored closely to ensure they have continued quality of life into retirement.