Old-World Monkeys (1995)

Rosenberg, D. P. , Kesel, M. L.

Abstract

Review of selected enrichment studies, particularly feeding enrichment studies. Single or individual caging systems are the basic or staple housing used for primates (p. 459). .. Nonhuman primates have been singly caged for biomedical research use in significant numbers for about a hundred years. Almost all 'hard' scientific data (as distinguished from 'soft' behavioral data) have been acquired from singly caged primates. (p. 460). To enhance the life-style of a primate, one of the most effective, but often overlooked improvements is pair housing (p. 469). When adult rhesus monkeys are first paired or put in larger groups, there are always injuries incurred ... This is an unavoidable and unfortunate side to group housing of primates (p. 470). Even though primates are social beings, they also need a way to seclude themselves.