Behavioral intervention program: Enriching the lives of captive nonhuman primates (2000)

Veira, Y., Brent, L.

Abstract

Since its inception, 142 animals have been reported to the BIP [Behavioral Intervention Program, developed in 1994], including chimpanzees, baboons and other monkeys. The most common behaviors reported were hair pulling, pacing, rocking and self-aggression. 36.6% of the BIP subjects were nursery-reared. It was suggested that baboons with abnormal behaviors do not cope well with their environment [more death of BIP baboons due to management reasons], are not good candidates for research or breeding purposes, and many eventually euthanized. Our results support the idea that abnormal and stress-related behaviors in nonhuman primates have a measurable negative impact on research and breeding program effectiveness.