The newly established Non-Human Primate (NHP) Facility at the International Center for Primate Brain Research is a state-of-the-art research facility providing space for all ICPBR groups to conduct high-level NHP research.

The included housing facility allows for the social housing of up to 80 macaque monkeys, the laboratories provide spaces for behavioural training and electrophysiological measurements, and the level 100 surgical suite is built and equipped according to human standards and can be booked by all associated groups.

The facility is staffed by a diverse team of highly trained professionals who understand and take on the ethical and moral responsibilities that come with the housing and care of NHPs. In collaboration with the institute’s animal welfare officer (link to the Animal Welfare page), the facility team has established different animal welfare programs and is constantly striving to optimize the living conditions for all inhabitants and the working conditions for facility staff and scientists.

A main component of the NHP facility at ICPBR is the housing facility. This facility has space to house up to 80 macaque monkeys socially, in groups of two to five conspecifics. The enclosures are several meters wide, long, and tall, providing plenty of space for the animals to jump, climb, forage, and follow their natural behaviour. Each cage is equipped with various enrichment objects, including trees and toys.

Through such group housing and an enriched environment, the natural behaviour of this social species gets encouraged, and abnormal behaviours are greatly reduced.

A team of highly qualified caretakers cares for the animals and maintains the facility. A team of highly trained veterinarians ensures the health of the animals, and the animal welfare officer ensures their well-being.