The incident of the overturned truck transporting monkeys from Tulane University’s National Biomedical Research Center was profoundly tragic for the animals who lost their lives, through no fault of their own. It also created a risky situation for law enforcement, who are not trained in handling monkeys and are sadly forced to kill innocent animals to protect the public. Rhesus macaques are strong with large canine teeth and can seriously injure people, the potential for which will be heightened for the three allegedly still at large due to their being frightened and in unfamiliar circumstances following a harrowing event. Rhesus macaques also can be carriers of Herpes B – a virus that can be transmitted to humans through a bite or scratch and is fatal if left untreated.
The Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary is home to dozens of monkeys formerly used in biomedical research, many of them rhesus macaques. We see first-hand the damaging, lasting physical and mental effects from the chronic stress, isolation, and experimentation that occur in laboratories; most monkeys that arrive to us from labs have never seen the sun, felt the breeze on their faces, or had the companionship of other monkeys in their entire lives.
Science has long shown that macaques are poor facsimiles for humans, yet their exploitation in medical testing continues. There are alternative methods that not only yield better results but also do not involve cruelty to animals. Keeping wild animals like rhesus macaques remains dangerous and unnecessary for all primates involved- human and nonhuman – and to ensure the safety of both, we must minimize instances of them being held captive. Law enforcement officials should not need to choose between saving an innocent wild animal or protecting the public safety of humans, yet they are put in this position every time a wild animal escapes and poses a potential threat.
