Our behavioral management staff develops and implements the best strategies to promote the social stability of CNPRC monkey populations through: behavior monitoring, socially managing the outdoor colonies using sophisticated network-based approaches; systematically assessing the behavior of the monkeys in the indoor colonies; evaluating the efficacy of current and new social and environmental enrichment; and developing proactive strategies to support well-being.
At the CNPRC, we believe in a holistic approach to animal care that extends beyond traditional environmental enrichment. It addresses the social management of nonhuman primates, the human-animal interface, environmental design, and the interplay of these factors. Behavioral Management Team
The term “behavioral management” encompasses a holistic approach to animal care that extends beyond traditional environmental enrichment. It addresses the social management of nonhuman primates, the human-animal interface, environmental design, and the interplay of these factors. The philosophy guiding the CNPRC behavioral management program emphasizes that psychological well-being is best achieved through collaborative efforts.
An effective behavioral management program maximizes each individual’s ability to cope with their environment by providing choices and a degree of control, while also balancing animal welfare with the scientific objectives of their assigned studies. Research shows that enriched environments reduce stress and reactivity, leading to more consistent experimental data. This is achieved by designing and maintaining functionally appropriate primate environments that focus on stimulating healthy behaviors and providing opportunities for behavioral plasticity.
The CNPRC’s program aims to optimize the well-being of nonhuman primates through a range of strategies tailored to research, colony, and individual needs. Core components include: social management, environmental enrichment, positive human-animal interactions (including positive reinforcement training), and staff training.