End Primate Experiments in Australia

Ending Primate Research in Australia

Every year, hundreds of Australian macaques, marmosets, baboons, and night monkeys are confined to laboratories. They are caged, subjected to invasive procedures, and almost always killed once the experiment ends.  

Most Australians don’t support primate experiments and over 100,000 citizens have already called for a ban. 

There is also global opposition to primate experiments from experts in the fields of neuroscience, animal welfare, conservation, primatology and pharmacology. 

Why This Matters

Primates are not “research tools”—they are highly intelligent and deeply social beings.  

  • They experience complex emotions like grief, fear and empathy 
  • They form lifelong bonds 
  • They can problem-solve and have self-awareness similar to ours 
Subjecting such sentient beings to invasive procedures, confinement and isolation inflicts profound psychological and physical suffering.  

How the System Fails Primates

Primate research in Australia is guided mainly by the NHMRC’s 2016 Guidelines, and partly by the Australian Code (2013) and state laws. But here’s the problem: 

  • Self-regulated – it is up to the institution’s own AEC to decide if the research is justified and how the experiment will be conducted 
  • Outdated – the Code and Guidelines haven’t been updated in years, ignoring the enormous advances in our understanding of primate cognition, sentience and welfare needs. 
  • Weak – poor standards fail to safeguard primate welfare and leave room for interpretation. This is how some primates end up in cages millions of times smaller than their natural habitat.  
This lack of clarity and accountability means primates continue to endure suffering, despite the framework that claims to protect them. We have proven this in documented case studies.   

What You Can Do

Primate experiments will only end if enough people demand it. Here’s how you can take action today: 

  1. Push For Government Action
    The NHMRC—Australia’s largest funder of primate research—has spent over $11 million (2021–2024) and approved the use of 236 primates in ongoing studies. 

    Sign our email campaign telling the government to stop using taxpayer money to fund primate experiments.      

  2. Honour a Primate
    Every primate has a story—but in research, most are reduced to numbers. Our “Honour Me With A Name” campaign restores their dignity by recognising them as individuals and shares their real stories. 

    By taking part, you help raise awareness, build public pressure and strengthen the movement to end primate experiments.

  3. Spread Awareness
    Most Australians don’t know this is happening—right here, on our doorstep. Increase public support and visibility by sharing our email action.

Take Action!