Psychological well-being of captive primates: General considerations and examples from callitrichids (1989)

Snowdon, C. T. , Savage, A.

Abstract

In this chapter we raise some general considerations and criteria for developing and evaluating humane environments for captive primates, emphasizing some specific solutions that we have developed to deal with both physical and psychological needs in primates, particularly in Callitrichids. Tamarins were hesitant to approach food dishes that had been placed near the floor level of the cage when carrying infants. When the dishes were moved to areas of the cage that were at least one metre above the floor, the animals approached the dishes readily to feed.