Plastic igloos, such as the one pictured here, provide mice the opportunity to carry out natural behaviors like concealing themselves. They also help animals manage social issues that commonly arise in mouse colonies. The igloos provide breeding mice a place to build their nests and protect their pups. The clear…

The California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) is home to the nation’s only active breeding colony of South American titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus). These animals are small, tree-dwelling primates that originate from South America.  They live in monogamous family groups.  These nonhuman primates have been important in helping us understand…

This is a baby titi monkey with her father. Titi monkeys are highly social animals and live in family groups that include mother, father and baby.

This is a father and infant titi monkey.  These monkeys live in monogamous family groups that consist of the mother, father and offspring.  The father is the main caretaker for the infants. He brings the infant to her mother to nurse.  Infant monkeys are weaned at five months old.

These lambs are part of a maternal nutrition study. Whenever possible, lambs involved in research studies are raised with their mothers where they undergo normal social and emotional development. If a study requires hand-rearing, it must be approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), a body responsible…

Cat housing takes into consideration their social, psychological and behavioral needs. Cats do well in compatible social groups with the ability to have some distance from each other when desired. Each cat must have have easy access to resting places, food, water and litter boxes.  These two cats are taking…

Pigs are smart, social animals that like to nibble and root.  Balls and puzzle toys are provided to engage them in rooting and problem solving opportunities.  These caregivers know each of their pigs by name and look forward to spending time with them every day.