All nonhuman primates in research are provided access to enhanced care, including social, behavioral and nutritional enrichment. They often receive fruit and vegetables in addition to their traditional chow diet, and many times, the animals will receive treats like marshmallows. Proper enrichment is critical to ensuring the animals are well…

Monkeys like this one are provided with fresh water and a variety of foods to ensure optimal health.  Their housing areas are specially designed to allow them to have social interactions with other monkeys, forage for food, climb, nap in the shade, or bask in the sun.

Infants to geriatric animals live with their extended family groups at the California National Primate Research Center.  This allows them to exhibit natural social behavior like grooming each other and caring for their young.

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 each other.…

These rabbits are housed in social groups (four members per run). Research facilities strive to house animals in areas which allow them to express their normal behaviors. In this case, these rabbits can jump, stand on their back feet, play with toys and interact socially. The run where they live…

Moose and Jack are on a study to help researchers find effective treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a debilitating genetic disorder found both in golden retrievers and boys.  The dogs’ housing ensures that their social, psychological, and behavioral needs are met. Moose and Jack like to sleep close together, play…

Sheep thrive in social groups of at least five members. Research facilities strive to design housing that best meets the needs of their animals.  This flock room is lined with hay that is changed every other day allowing the sheep to graze as they would naturally on a pasture.  Their…

Jills – female ferrets – are incredibly friendly and social and often sleep cuddled together. Research ferrets are housed so that they can exhibit their natural behaviors, keeping them happy and healthy.  Jills with litters spend most of their time in the nests nursing and cuddling with kits. Jills will…

These baboons are needed as a model for a variety of studies, including research focused on understanding the genetics of complex diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. These two baboons are males socially housed in a baboon corral with other male baboons. They are seated on climbing structures…