Nonhuman Primate

Impacts of chopped food on primate behavior are not clear cut. A case study on zoo-housed ring-tailed lemurs

Measuring how food presentation influences behavior helps encourage practices that support natural foraging efforts for species housed in zoos. To test the effect of food presentation on a commonly housed zoo primate, observations of the behavior of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Lemur, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: George, A. J., Tull, S., Rose, P. 2025. Impacts of chopped food on primate behavior are not clear cut. A case study on zoo-housed ring-tailed lemurs. Zoo Biology 44(5), 442–452.

Behavior and safety in the use of canopy bridges by howler monkeys in an experimental environment

Urban sprawl advances over forested areas and threatens arboreal species, which often use roads, power lines, and rooftops to move, resulting in roadkill, electrocution, and dog attacks. One measure to mitigate these risks is the installation of canopy bridges, which...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Dias, P., Teixeira, F. Z., Ferrugem, V. H. C. et al. 2025. Behavior and safety in the use of canopy bridges by howler monkeys in an experimental environment. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 290, 106696.

Influence of multiple factors on rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) use of a feeding enrichment device

We studied the effect of different filler items on rhesus macaques’ use of a feeding enrichment device called the ‘browsing bowl.’ We examined use of the device as affected by calories, sugar content, and volume of different fillers as well...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Cowan-Brown, J. M., Clay, A. W., Perlman, J. et al. 2025. Influence of multiple factors on rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) use of a feeding enrichment device. JAALAS 64(4), 674–681.

The use of infra-red thermography to study emotions of wild crested macaques (Macaca nigra) in their natural habitat

Infra-red thermography (IRT) has been validated across a range of taxa as a non-invasive method to quantify physiological changes (variation in skin temperature) that serve as a proxy for emotional arousal in humans and other animals. While its effectiveness has...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Emotion, Pain, & Sentience, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Berthier, J. M., Wheeler, B. C., Qomariah, I. N. et al. 2025. The use of infra-red thermography to study emotions of wild crested macaques (Macaca nigra) in their natural habitat. Physiology & Behavior 296, 114904.

Validation of body condition scoring as a screening test for low body condition and obesity in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Assessing body weight is common practice for monitoring health in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Body composition analysis via quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) is a more in-depth assessment allowing measurements of lean and fat mass, but it is expensive and remains...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Arroyo, J. P., Alvarez, A., Alvarez, L. et al. 2025. Validation of body condition scoring as a screening test for low body condition and obesity in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). American Journal of Primatology 87(8), e70068.

The effects of artificial UV-B provision on positional sleeping behaviour and vitamin D3 metabolites of captive aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis)

Zoological environments aim to promote natural behaviours and optimal welfare conditions. Over the past decade, research on the use of artificial ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure has improved vitamin D3 levels and reduced incidences of metabolic bone disease in diurnal primates; however,...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Walker, D., Bwye, P., Richdon, S. 2025. The effects of artificial UV-B provision on positional sleeping behaviour and vitamin D3 metabolites of captive aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis). Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens 6(3), 39.

Selection of animal welfare indicators for primates in rescue centres using the Delphi method: Cebus albifrons as a case study

Wildlife rescue centres face considerable challenges in promoting animal welfare and enhancing the care and housing conditions of animals under professional supervision. These challenges are further compounded by the diversity of species admitted, each with distinct specific needs. In Colombia...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Capuchin, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Pereira Bengoa, V. E., Manteca, X. 2025. Selection of animal welfare indicators for primates in rescue centres using the Delphi method: Cebus albifrons as a case study. Animals 15(17), 2473.

Affective responses and behavioral strategies to social fusion events in zoo-housed bonobos

Species with fission-fusion dynamics may face heightened social tension during fusion events due to relationship insecurity and competition over resources. Affective consequences of such events are important determinants for behavioral responses, yet remain poorly understood. To evaluate the affective consequences...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Natural Behavior, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Laméris, D. W., Verspeek, J., Salas, M. et al. 2025. Affective responses and behavioral strategies to social fusion events in zoo-housed bonobos. Animal Behavior and Cognition 12(3), 300–329.

Marm-ite moments: Enriching marmoset behaviour with the 3Rs

It is well documented that activity levels of non-human primates (NHPs) are reduced in captivity, particularly in laboratory settings where space and enclosure design are limited.1 The 3Rs encourages researchers to refine their care of protected species by increasing the...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Horsfield, A., Witts, N., Maishman, T. 2025. Marm-ite moments: Enriching marmoset behaviour with the 3Rs. Animal Technology and Welfare 24(2), 160–164.

Positive reinforcement training: Old world NHPs

Positive reinforcement training (PRT) is increasingly used to refine scientific and husbandry procedures involving Old-World nonhuman primates (NHPs) around the globe. PRT provides mental stimulation as well as reduces stress for NHPs. This will lead to better overall wellbeing and...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Animal TrainingAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Harbin, T. 2025. Positive reinforcement training: Old world NHPs. Animal Technology and Welfare 24(2), 165–167.