ABSTRACT
Nonhuman primates (NHPs) have played a critical role in the evolution of scientific and biomedical understanding for many years. Without the important contributions of NHPs to medical and scientific understanding, progress toward the elimination of morbidity and mortality afflicting animals and humans may not have occurred or would have been delayed. Starting in fiscal year (FY) 2003, the United States began importing over 20,000 NHPs per year—primarily, Macaca fascicularis (cynomolgus macaques) from Asia and Mauritius. The increase in demand for NHPs, particularly cynomolgus macaques, was rising dramatically, the participation of NHPs in drug development programs in China was also rapidly expanding. Studies have shown that animals that are highly enriched can better adapt to new and changing environmental conditions. While all Bioculture animals are familiarized and desensitized to the people they encounter in their environment, calm, interactive, and interested cynos are increasingly important as the animal's transition to new situations.
