Final Report on Environmental Enhancement to Promote the Psychological Well-Being of Nonhuman Primates (1999)

United States Department of Agriculture , Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Abstract

Very thorough review of the literature pertaining to the interpretation of the Animal Welfare Act's stipulation to promote the psychological well-being of nonhuman primates [9 CFR Section 3.81]. Some facilities claim their environmental enhancement programs are adequate because there are no distressing behaviors or appearances of ill health with their primates. This is a short-sighted view since waiting to improve a minimally enriched environment until a primate starts showing signs of psychological distress was not the intent of the Animal Welfare Act. ... The central idea is that nonhuman primates must be given an environment in which they can express the wide range of behaviors practiced by others of their species in nature. Their captive environments must be enhanced to give them opportunities to exhibit these behaviors. When such conditions are achieved, the intent of the Animal Welfare Act to promote their psychological well-being will be fulfilled. ... Stimulation of only one type of normal behavior [e.g., foraging] should not be considered adequate for compliance. ... Regulated facilities must target each critical element [1. Social grouping, 2. Social needs of infants, 3. Structure and substrate, 4. Foraging opportunities, and 5. Manipulanda] in their primates' environment. ... A compatible companion supplies environmental novelty, multi-sensory stimulation, something to manipulate, and opportunities for cognitive challenge and control. ... Psychological well-being is not merely the absence of behavioral pathology and abnormality. The remarkable sociality of the primate order in general is the most relevant characteristic for their humane housing (p. 17).