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2006 Animal Records Release Share This OHSU Content

Oregon's Primate Center

The Oregon National Primate Research Center, part of Oregon Health & Science University, resides in Beaverton, Oregon. The center is one of eight national primate research centers funded by the federal government's National Institutes of Health. The NIH leads the country in funding medical research. Oregon's primate research center focuses on three specialty areas: neuroscience, (studies of brain function and diseases that impact the brain); reproductive sciences (such as preventing premature birth); and infectious disease (such as AIDS and the flu). 

Animal Care Records

In Fall 2006 OHSU and the primate center released thousands of animal care records to the animal rights group In Defense of Animals (IDA) in response to their request. The records detail the day-to-day health care of our animals and illustrate the tremendous dedication of our staff to providing excellent, prompt health care and enrichment for the monkeys who live at the center. The records are essentially the same as a person's medical record, however they are much more detailed because the animals live at the center and receive daily health checks.

Why We're Here

The purpose of this Web site is to provide the public with a full explanation of the records and their contents. We support the public's right to know about the primate center's research and its benefits to both humans and animals. We also support the public's right to know about our track record of excellent care for animals. The information at this site will demonstrate that any attempt to suggest that these records show otherwise is false and misleading.

Animal Records Facts

  • Animal care records are very detailed; more detailed than most human health care records.
  • Because animals at the primate center receive daily checkups, their care could be considered better and more comprehensive than the health care provided to the average American child.
  • Unlike human health records, even minor health details are always included in animal care records. A small cut or scratch would not likely be listed in a human health record. In comparison, at the primate center, even minor injuries and their treatments are noted.
  • Not only do primate center records list regular reports on an animal’s health status, the reports also contain information about blood samples, stool samples, and the various locations where the animal has lived during its time at the center.
  • Because animals cannot communicate verbally, treatments are often provided proactively. For instance, pain treatment is provided for even minor discomfort and all animals receive medications to prevent potential internal parasites (much like heartworm medications are advised for all dogs).
  • Any sign, even a minor sign, that an animal is not feeling well is often designated as "sick" in a report.
  • Just like in human populations, injuries do occur, especially when monkeys live together. Primate troops in the wild and in captivity form a hierarchy in which some animals are more dominant than others. This also means that fights occur and sometimes animals get injured. In the wild, injuries from these fights often result in the death of an animal. In captivity, injuries can be treated and measures are taken to try to prevent further fights.
  • At the end of each and every animal's life, no matter what the cause of death, a post mortem examination (or necropsy) is conducted to ensure the continued health of other animals at the center. These studies are done to ensure that there are no infectious disease outbreaks or parasites present that pose a danger to other animals. These studies also add to the body of knowledge that helps improve primate health for animals in captivity.