Challenging conventional wisdom for housing monkeys (1994)

Crockett, C. M., Bowden, D. M.

Abstract

Our research indicates that the minimum cage size does provide adequate space for the monkeys that we studied [adult long-tailed macaques of both sexes]. Our studies [with barren cages] also lead us to the conclusion that spending millions of dollars (our own center has spent in excess of $400,000) to enlarge substandard cages, in many cases by an inch or two, is misguided.... Institutions seriously attempting to meet lab primates' needs for social contact must address a complex web of issues. They must take into account species differences, sex differences, rearing background, and maturational stages.