Nonhuman Primates
Dutch primatologist and ethologist Frans de Waal once questioned, “If we look straight and deep into a chimpanzee's eyes, an intelligent self-assured personality looks back at us. If they are animals, what must we be?” Waal’s insightful query brings into focus the idea that we, humans, are all essentially “animals” with thoughts and behavioral traits that are unique to us. Moreover, he compares us to chimpanzees—a primate—for the reason that they are “intelligent” and “self-assured,” not unlike humans. However, despite the countless similarities between nonhuman primates and human beings, numerous species of “monkeys” are used in animal testing. Cruelty Free International defines animal testing as “any scientific experiment or test in which
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Unfortunately, the biological and psychological similarities between primates and humans make them a chief target for experimenters. Yet, these similarities could also be looked at as a reason not to use primates as test subjects. Divergent from any other lab rat, primates are self-aware. This means that they are able to interact with others freely and boldly and they have an honest view of their personality and the personalities of those around them. We know this because they were able to pass the mirror test—a test created by Gordon Gallup Jr. in 1970 that gauges self-awareness by determining whether an animal can recognize its own reflection in a mirror as an image of itself (ScienceDaily). Due to their acute self-awareness, when locked away in an undersized cage primates are bound to develop behavioral issues as a result of the psychological stress and social isolation. Many of these animals go tend to go insane and are seen to be rocking back and forth, pacing endlessly, and engaging in repetitive motions. Primates in Laboratories says, “they even engage in acts of self-mutilation, including tearing out their own hair or biting their own flesh,” which demonstrates the mental strain these unfit conditions put on them. Social companionship is one of the most important
Unfortunately, the biological and psychological similarities between primates and humans make them a chief target for experimenters. Yet, these similarities could also be looked at as a reason not to use primates as test subjects. Divergent from any other lab rat, primates are self-aware. This means that they are able to interact with others freely and boldly and they have an honest view of their personality and the personalities of those around them. We know this because they were able to pass the mirror test—a test created by Gordon Gallup Jr. in 1970 that gauges self-awareness by determining whether an animal can recognize its own reflection in a mirror as an image of itself (ScienceDaily). Due to their acute self-awareness, when locked away in an undersized cage primates are bound to develop behavioral issues as a result of the psychological stress and social isolation. Many of these animals go tend to go insane and are seen to be rocking back and forth, pacing endlessly, and engaging in repetitive motions. Primates in Laboratories says, “they even engage in acts of self-mutilation, including tearing out their own hair or biting their own flesh,” which demonstrates the mental strain these unfit conditions put on them. Social companionship is one of the most important