Non-human Primate Enrichment

Animal Observations:

Animals are routinely seen twice daily by caretakers for husbandry activities. Any stereotypic behavior or other signs of psychological stress such as self mutilation are reported immediately to the attending veterinarian for evaluation and treatment.

Housing Configurations:

Group Run: Monkeys are kept in compatible groups of up to four individuals in a 15.6m³ (=551 ft³ = 20.4 yd³) structured run.  The structures include but are not limited to:

• Two 8x36" shelves at different levels

• Three 12" Diameter PVC Pipes to sit on top or inside wall mounted at different levels

• Chains and/or ropes with suspended elements to allow full use of the 3rd dimension of the rum (pending).

Home Cage: Monkeys may also be kept in home cages consisting of two 0.8m³ (=28.5ft³ = 1 yd³) compartments connected vertically by a sliding door. Typically the monkeys are chaired from the lower compartment and captured with the transfer cage from the upper compartment. When animals are housed singly, cages will be placed in the room to enable visual contact with other non-human primates.  Permanent single housing of monkeys without access to the run needs to be justified in the animal’s health record and reviewed monthly by the attending veterinarian if this practice is to be continued. Restricting access to only one level of the home cage would require additional justification (e.g. for health reasons during post operative recovery etc.) Cage structures must include but are not limited to:

• PVC perches

• Ring and/or tug toys suspended from the chain securing the perches to the cage door

• balls, kongs or other toys

• An unbreakable mirror

• A puzzle feeder or grass mat foraging board must be provided and restocked at least once a day

Training and Shaping:

Animal Care staff works daily with the monkeys until they learn to return to their home cage, and enter the transfer cage on cue.

Social groups are facilitated by observing the interaction between animals regularly to ensure, that dominant animals are not taking advantage of subordinate animals.  A group is considered stable if there is no ongoing hostility and daily observed positive interactions between all group members.

Raisins or other treats may be used to train and shape the animals

Other Enrichment Strategies

• TV or Radio is played in the animal room at least once a day for 1-2 hours.

• Novelty food items not exceeding 100g per day per monkey may be provided via puzzle feeders, foraging boards, or mixed in with shaving for additional environmental enrichment

• Food items used have a variety of shapes, sizes, textures, flavors and odors. They include foraging crumbles manufactured specifically for non human primates as well as in the shell peanuts, peanut butter, crackers, peanut hearts and shelled sunflower seeds. Foraging activity seems to be preferred over playing with objects. Novel foods are not to be considered a substitute for the routine diet.

• The daily enrichment program is carried out by a dedicated animal care technician and in collaboration with veterinary services.

Documentation:

• Documentation of the delivery of novel foods and other enrichment activities such as video presentations will be made on the room activity log.

References:

• AWR, Subpart D, § 3.80 3.81

Web page compiled by Dr. Peter Autenried
Copyright © 2002 UConn Health Center. All rights reserved.
Revised: 11/15/2005