A safe method of handling rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Abstract

A simple handling box for rhesus monkeys is described. It is easy to use and there is minimal contact between handler and monkey, thereby ensuring greater safety for personnel working with these animals than is found with other methods of handling. For minor procedures there is no need to sedate monkeys restrained in the box. The box can easily be adapted for use with other primate species and for the performance of a wide variety of experimental techniques.

Handling and Training of Wild Animals: Evidence and Ethics-Based Approaches and Best Practices in the Modern Zoo

“…It is highly likely animals of many taxa possess similar capabilities to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar caregivers, as was documented by Martin and Melfi in African elephants, Rothschild's giraffe, Brazilian tapir, and meerkats [45]. Consequently, animals who have experienced negative events with people, such as poor handling, undesirable changes in their environment, and invasive procedures may display avoidance and fear when interacting with specific or all humans in the future [46][47][48][49][50]. However, compared to animals housed in other contexts there is limited research concerning caregiver-animal interactions in zoos and aquariums.…”