Mice are the foundation for numerous advances in medicine, including therapies for cancer, heart disease, hypertension, metabolic and hormonal disorders, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, glaucoma, skin pigmentation diseases, blindness, deafness, neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, birth defects, and psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.
Visit Species PageThese 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.
View and ShareRhesus 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 tests, and…
View and ShareEnvironmental 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 each other.…
View and ShareA 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 year or…
View and ShareDogs, although one of the least common animals needed for research, are among the most important. Many cancers in dogs are identical, or almost identical, to human cancers. The cancer in dogs often develops faster, making them an ideal model to see if a certain therapy is effective. Many breeds…
Visit Species PageBaboons have long been important models of human diseases and for understanding physiology. This is due to their many similarities to humans. Additionally, their physiological parameters can be measured with the same equipment used for humans. Some key research areas involving baboons include neonatal lung disease, dental development, excess fat…
Visit Species PageRabbits are the reason our dogs and cats can live with us in our houses. Louis Pasteur worked with rabbits to develop the first rabies vaccine which made it safe to bring pets into our homes. Rabbits have a similar anatomy and physiology to humans, especially their cardiovascular system, and…
Visit Species PageBeagles have been important for many medical advancements, from understanding body systems and disease processes to the development of new medicines and treatments for both people and animals. Researchers, veterinarians and animal caregivers work together to provide for the needs of these amazing animals. Toys are provided and rotated regularly…
View and ShareMinipigs 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, of course,…
View and Share