All research animals, from tiny fish to curious monkeys, receive daily health checks. Pictured here are two baby rats being evaluated by their animal caregiver. Their eyes, ears, color, condition of fur and behavior are all assessed daily to ensure good health. These interactions also help build a…
These rabbits enjoy human interaction. When technicians come into the room, the rabbits move to the front of the pen to receive nose scratches and treats like yogurt balls and dried persimmons. The technicians also enjoy watching these rabbits demonstrate behaviors found in the wild, such as foraging,…
Rabbits are social animals and live well in groups, especially if they are raised together as youngsters. The facility that houses these rabbits receives animals that were raised in pairs, so they are already socialized upon arrival. Even though these rabbits are provided with several bowls of food,…
Minipigs needed for research are fed on the floor so that they can root and forage for their feed using their snout. They are also offered many different types of toys to help provide tactile enrichment as they enjoy sniffing, touching and manipulating objects with their snouts. And,…
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — In 1993, Leonard Zon had 110 fish tanks and an idea. Zon, a professor of stem cell and regenerative biology at Harvard University, thought to study human diseases in zebrafish. The freshwater fish, native to the streams and rice paddies of India and Myanmar, struck…
These are common marmosets in the lobby of the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. Dried fruit, grapes, peanuts and other "pocket treats" are provided by their caretakers. This helps provide enrichment and also facilitates the ability to do health checks and other routine care procedures.
Rhesus monkeys getting treats from their caregiver at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. Healthy treats can include peanuts, grapes, apple slices, etc. Positive reinforcement is used to train the monkeys to move to transport boxes. These boxes safely carry monkeys to procedure rooms for blood draws, ultrasounds, TB…
Environmental enrichment is an important part of caring for research animals. Research animals are provided with several types of enrichment to stimulate species-typical behaviors. These juvenile rhesus macaques are enjoying mini marshmallow treats. Interactions with their caregiver give them social and intellectual stimulation, while strengthening their bonds with…
A rhesus macaque mom climbs into a hammock with her infant at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. Females reach puberty at around age three, while males are sexually mature by age four. Gestation is five and a half months, with one infant born at a time and often a…
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.
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