Hidden away in Australian research laboratories, hundreds of primates are being used in a variety of biomedical experiments. They are subjected to a wide range of procedures including brain and vision experiments, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), studies and heart research. These primates – macaques, marmosets and baboons – are sourced from three government-funded, research-specific breeding colonies located within Australia.

Aside from the clear ethical dilemma of using animals with high cognitive abilities and well-developed social structures as mere ‘tools for research’, the use of primates has been found to be poorly predictive of human outcomes and their use has proven to be ineffective at providing substantial contributions to biomedical research.

Why Primates?

Non-human primates are genetically the closest living creatures to humans. Their sentient ability is thought to be very similar to ours as primates have complex social interactions. They have the ability to form and remember relationships, remember behaviours, mirror tasks, and even make predictions about future interactions. Like humans, primates have a communicative language, they use gestures, facial expressions and body language to interact with one another and their cognitive ability has been argued to rival that of a young child.

It is these sentient, genetic and cognitive similarities to humans which see primates used as models for scientific testing. However, by this same logic, it is exactly these characteristics which show that primates have the ability to suffer both physical and psychological pain. Considering the similarities that humans and primates share, it is unethical to continue testing on them.

They are sentient beings – not “tools” for research!

Help us End Primate Experiments

Humane Research Australia is specifically calling for:

• The replacement of primate experiments with more humane and scientifically-valid (non-animal) methods of research
• A ban on the importation of primates for research
• Establishment of a primate sanctuary for ex-laboratory animals.

What you Can Do

• Grab some postcards and and get your friends and colleagues to sign and send, or a poster to display in your business or workplace.
• Make a one-off donation to support the Ban Primate Experiments campaign, or become a monthly donor to help us continue with this important work.
• Subscribe to HRA eNews at the bottom of the page
• Watch and share our YouTube video.