ONPRC General Facts
- There are eight national primate research centers in the country including the Oregon National Primate Research Center. All of the centers' primary funding comes from the National Center for Research Resources, a center within the federal government's National Institutes of Health. More info about the NCRR can be located here: (http://www.ncrr.nih.gov/) More information about the NIH can be located here: (http://www.nih.gov/)
- Approximately 4,000 non-human primates (monkeys) live at the Oregon primate center. Most of the animals live in outdoor group housing where they have access to shelter. All of the monkeys have contact (physical or visual) with other monkeys. However, an animal may be separated from other monkeys to prevent the spread of illness (much like a child that stays home from school to prevent other students from becoming ill).
- The animals at the primate center receive daily health checks and prompt health care whenever required (day or night).The center is an open institution that regularly conducts public tours.
- The center has an excellent animal care history on file with the United States Department of Agriculture which conducts unannounced inspections at least twice a year.
- All research at the center must receive pre-approval by a panel of scientists, animal care experts, veterinarians and a member of the public.
- The center employs eight veterinarians and 83 animal care staff, including certified veterinary technicians, who care for the monkeys 365 days a year. The staff check on the monkeys several times a day.
- The center also employs a Behavioral Sciences Unit (BSU) which is responsible for monitoring the psychological well being of the monkeys. This staff provides the monkeys with opportunities to engage in many of the behaviors and activities (for example, foraging for food) similar to those of monkeys who live in the wild. This unit also conducts research aimed at ensuring the well-being and comfort of monkeys at our primate center and at other facilities.
