Nonhuman Primate Welfare: From History, Science, and Ethics to Practice

This volume reviews the welfare of nonhuman primates in human care, including their history, ethical and legal issues, and measures of welfare. It highlights the advances in understanding their cognitive abilities and social bonds and the importance of providing appropriate housing, enrichment, and conditions to promote their well-being.

Format: Hardback
Length: 671 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive volume explores the multifaceted topic of welfare in nonhuman primates under human care. It delves into the historical background of primates in captivity, addressing ethical and legal considerations surrounding their use as entertainment or in research. The book also discusses various methods used to assess welfare, emphasizing the importance of housing, enrichment, and other environmental factors in promoting or detracting from an animal's well-being.

Since humans began keeping nonhuman primates, significant advancements have been made in our understanding of their cognitive abilities, robust social structures, vibrant personalities, and their capacity for both joy and suffering. However, with an increasing number of countries banning the use of great apes in biomedical research, the welfare of primates in zoos and research facilities has garnered increasing attention.

This interdisciplinary work brings together contributors from diverse fields, including animal welfare science, primatology, animal testing, veterinary medicine, conservation, ethics, and legislation. By presenting perspectives from both sides of the issue, the book offers an exhaustive overview of primate welfare, making it a valuable resource for readers from various disciplines.

Throughout its chapters, the book sheds light on the challenges and complexities associated with providing optimal care for nonhuman primates. It explores the historical context of captivity, examining the evolution of primate management practices and the ethical dilemmas that have arisen along the way. It also examines the ethical implications of using primates for entertainment or research, highlighting the need for responsible and humane practices.

The book discusses various approaches to measuring welfare, including physical health, behavior, cognitive function, and emotional state. It emphasizes the importance of using standardized protocols and ethical guidelines to ensure accurate and reliable assessments. It also explores the role of enrichment in promoting physical and mental well-being, highlighting the importance of providing stimulating environments that mimic natural habitats.

Housing is another critical aspect of primate welfare, as it affects an animal's physical and psychological well-being. The book discusses the design and construction of appropriate housing facilities, including considerations for temperature, humidity, ventilation, and lighting. It also explores the use of social housing and group dynamics in promoting socialization and reducing stress.

The book also addresses the challenges of managing nonhuman primates in research facilities, including the need for ethical oversight, training, and monitoring. It discusses the use of alternative methods and technologies to reduce the use of animals in research, such as computer simulations, tissue engineering, and in vitro models.

In conclusion, this comprehensive volume provides a thorough and insightful examination of the welfare of nonhuman primates under human care. It offers valuable insights into the history, ethical considerations, and practical aspects of primate management, making it a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, animal welfare advocates, and anyone interested in understanding and promoting the well-being of these remarkable animals.

Weight: 1160g
Dimension: 242 x 165 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030827076
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023