Animals in Research

The Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC) is home to more than 2,500 nonhuman primates, including baboons, marmosets and macaques. SNPRC is home to the world’s largest colony of baboons for biomedical research and the largest geriatric marmoset colony in the United States.

Because research with animals is vital to saving lives and improving the future health of animals and humans alike, SNPRC is committed to working with animals in a humane and ethical manner. Texas Biomed and SNPRC have a long and distinguished history of providing exemplary care for animals, going above and beyond established guidelines in this area. In fact, in site visits by an international accrediting organization, SNPRC’s veterinary program was commended for its high standards in animal care and for the outstanding good health and well-being of its animal colony.

While some research questions may be adequately addressed using cell cultures, tissue studies or computer models (which we also employ at Texas Biomed and SNPRC), research with animals continues to be critical to advance human health. Disease processes are complex, involving multiple physiological processes and multiple organ systems that, for now, can only be fully represented through animal models. Virtually every major advancement in medical knowledge and treatment has involved research using animal models.

Treated with great care from licensed veterinary professionals, most of SNPRC’s primates are housed in large enclosures that include both indoor and outdoor spaces, with heated floors and cooling fans, climbing structures, perches and swings to better simulate their natural environments. With an extensive environmental enrichment program, SNPRC’s goal for care and housing is to provide opportunities for animals to express species-typical behaviors that are also observed in primates living in the wild.

USDA Inspection Notifications:

Southwest National Primate Research Center receives regular inspections by the United States Department of Agriculture. USDA veterinary inspectors review all areas of animal care and treatment and identify activities requiring corrective action. Notifications on the latest USDA report findings can be found here.