CAMBODIA

The trade in
primates for
research

A BUAV investigation
November 2008

CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

Contents
1. Cambodia
2. Investigation summary
3. Conservation status of the long-tailed macaque
4. The primate trade in Cambodia
5. Breaches of international animal welfare guidelines
6. CITES issues and concerns
7. Recommendations and call for action

About the BUAV

The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection
(BUAV) is the worlds leading organisation
campaigning to end animal experiments. Our vision
is to create a world where nobody wants or believes
we need to experiment on animals. To achieve this
we use all peaceful means possible to expose the
reality of animal experimentation and create
meaningful changes in policy worldwide.
The BUAV leads the European Coalition to End
Animal Experiments (ECEAE) which works with
animal groups across Europe to coordinate
campaigning initiatives and ensure animals in
laboratories are high on the political agenda.
As a founding member of the International Council
for Animal Protection in OECD Programmes
(ICAPO) the BUAV also collaborates with animal
protection groups across Europe, the United States
and Japan to ensure that the interests of animals
used in experiments are represented within the
Organisation of Economic Co-operation and
Development which co-ordinates international
testing guidelines.

The BUAV has been instrumental in exposing the

international trade and supply of non-human
primates for the research industry. In 1992, BUAVs
Paradise Lost was the first ever in-depth
investigation of the trade in primates for research;
in particular, revealing the cruelties inherent in the
wild-caught trade.
The investigation and subsequent campaign played
a major role in the move away from the routine use
of wild-caught primates in research and thereby
changing the very nature of the international trade
in primates, saving the lives of tens of thousands of
animals who would otherwise have perished as a
result of the cruelties involved in the trapping,
holding and transportation process.
Since that time, the BUAV has continued to
investigate and expose the appalling misery,
suffering and death that are inflicted on non-human
primates for and by the international research
industry. Please see the summary on page 23 for
further information.

CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

1. CAMBODIA
The Kingdom of Cambodia, once known as
Kampuchea, is in Southeast Asia. It lies within the
tropics and is bordered by Vietnam to the east,
Laos to the north and the Gulf of Thailand to the
southwest.

Cambodia lies in the lower Mekong River basin and

occupies some of the flattest and lowest land in
Southeast Asia. It is a country rich in culture,
natural beauty and biodiversity.

An investigation in Cambodia, carried out by the

BUAV, has revealed the widespread cruelty and
suffering inflicted on wild primates and the often

appalling conditions for captive primates at

breeding farms.

CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

2. INVESTIGATION SUMMARY
This report sets out the evidence gained by the
BUAV as a result of an in depth investigation over
several months in Cambodia in 2008. Our research
teams spent months investigating the primate trade
obtaining extensive video footage, photographs and
documentation revealing the true nature and scale
of suffering involved within the industry. Our
findings reveal the emergence of Cambodia as a
major player in the international trade in primates
for research over the past couple of years.

Macaque (Macaca fascicularis or long-tailed

macaque) farming appears to have become a
massive enterprise in the country with overseas
investment and involvement, primarily from China.
Many farms are still undergoing construction and
companies are in the process of establishing a
market for themselves in Europe and the USA.
However, the trade appears to have been largely
unregulated with slack enforcement of guidelines
and regulations.

Main findings
The BUAV investigation obtained disturbing footage of the cruel trapping of wild monkeys destined for
primate supply and breeding farms within Cambodia.

The BUAV investigation found breaches of internationally recognised animal welfare guidelines on the
acquisition, care and breeding of primates.

The BUAV investigation found a large-scale and expanding macaque breeding industry in Cambodia that
should raise new concerns about the validity of captive breeding programmes. The BUAV believes that
such programmes will always need to rely on wild primate populations.

BUAV

The BUAV investigation raises concerns as to whether Cambodia is abiding by its obligations to control the
trade in endangered species outlined by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species
(CITES) regulations.

CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

3. CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE LONG-TAILED

MACAQUE
Macaca fascicularis (long-tailed macaques, also
known as crab-eating macaques and cynomolgus
monkeys) is indigenous to and widespread
throughout Southeast Asia. Their main habitat is
forested areas near water.
The long-tailed macaque is classified as Appendix
II under CITES. This means that the species is not
necessarily threatened with extinction, but may
become so unless the trade is subject to strict
regulation (CITES Article II 2.(a)). Cambodia
became a member state of CITES in 1997.
According to the International Union for
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
(IUCN) Red List, the status of the long-tailed
macaque is at Lower risk near threatened. The
species does not qualify for Conservation
Dependent, which is the highest category, but is
close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

Ref: http://www.redlist.org/details/
12551#sectionTaxonomy
Furthermore, according to a policy statement
issued by the World Health Organization (WHO)
and Ecosystem Conservation Group (ECG) (Annex
3), there is a recommendation that:
Endangered, vulnerable and rare species be
considered for use in biomedical research
projects only if they are obtained from existing
self sustaining captive breeding colonies (i.e. in
captive breeding, all animals are required to be
at least F2 generation).
The BUAV investigation raises concerns that this
recommendation is not followed in the case of
Cambodian primates exported for the research
industry.

4. THE PRIMATE TRADE IN CAMBODIA

The international trade in primates for research is
big business. Every year thousands of primates
worldwide are taken from the wild or bred in captive
breeding farms in countries such as China,
Mauritius, Israel, Indonesia, Vietnam and
Cambodia.
The primate trade industry is relatively new to
Cambodia. According to CITES data, long-tailed
macaques started to be exported in large numbers
from Cambodia in 2004. In the last few years,
however, the industry has grown exponentially as
foreign investment has been ploughed into the
industry from companies in countries such as China
and Japan.

Thousands of Cambodian monkeys have already

been exported to primate dealers and laboratories
primarily in the USA and China.
The most recent figures available by CITES show
that in 2006, over 6,000 monkeys were exported to
China and about 2,500 were exported to the USA.
Information obtained from a government official
during our investigations this year shows that 9,500
primates were exported from Cambodia in 2007.
This number is set to rise in coming years with the
completion of further breeding farms in Cambodia.

CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

In the USA, the main importer of monkeys from

Cambodia is Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories
(SNBL) which describes itself as a contract
research organization that specializes in nonhuman
primates. Other monkeys were exported to
Covance Research Products.
The BUAV investigation can also reveal that the
primate trade industry in Cambodia is looking to
expand its business and appears to have its sights
set on Europe. Documentation obtained shows that

one primate supply company had been given an

export permit that would allow 500 primates to be
exported to Europe.
Only a few months ago, a shipment of 52 monkeys
was sent to Centre De Primatologie laboratory at
the Louis Pasteur University in Strasbourg, France.
In addition, a CITES export permit was granted by
the Cambodian CITES authority in 2008 for a
shipment of monkeys to the UK.

The BUAV investigated the large-scale breeding operations that have been set up in
Cambodia. The BUAV understands there are eight breeding farms owned by the following six
companies.
1) KF Cambodia Limited
2) Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories
3) Vanny Bio-Research Corporation Limited
4) Vaddhanak Prasoer Corporation Limited
5) Tian Hu
6) Rong de Group Co Limited

In 2005, according to a report published by

TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network,
(Thomson, Julie (2008), Captive breeding of
selected taxa in Cambodia and Viet Nam: A
reference manual for farm operators and CITES
authorities) there were six long-tailed macaque
breeding facilities registered with the Forestry
Administration. The farms, which housed from a
few hundred up to 10,000 monkeys, were still
taking monkeys from wild populations to expand
breeding stock.

Treng, Mundunlkiri, Preah Vihear, Pu Sat and

Kampong Thom. Management regimes at all
facilities are intensive and whilst they can and
apparently do produce F2 plus generations, in
2005 there was ongoing dependence on wild
populations to increase breeding stock (p32).

animals are obtained from areas around the

Tonle Sap Lake, in the centre of Cambodia, and
funnelled through various holding facilities. Siem
Reap town, the site of Angkor Wat, is possibly
the most-used holding location (pers. obs.).
Macaques are also collected from many small
rivers in various provinces such as Kratie, Stung

BUAV

The TRAFFIC report goes on to mention that:

Handling by people is abnormal for wild animals like this infant

monkey, causing extreme fear and stress.

CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

The Trapping Process

The majority of monkeys are trapped in the Tonle

Sap and Kratie provinces. In theory a permit is
required before trapping takes place. However this
is not always the case. BUAV investigators joined a
group of trappers on a week long trip, deep into the
jungles and forest reserves of Cambodia, a habitat
favoured by long-tailed macaques. Not only did the
trappers not hold any permits, but the trapping trip
took them into the Beong Tonle Chhma Reserve
a designated reserve and Ramsar site. (The
Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in
1971, is an intergovernmental treaty which provides
the framework for national action and international
cooperation for the conservation and wise use of
wetlands and their resources).
The trapping took place during the rainy season
when the forests were flooded. Navigating their way
in canoes, the trappers searched for monkeys.
Once a group of monkeys had been located in a
tree, the trappers submerged a net in the water
around the base of that tree. Branches of the tree
were cut down in order to isolate the monkeys. The
trappers then beat the trees with their oars to
frighten the monkeys into jumping out of the trees
and into the water where they became entangled in
the net. Once trapped in the net the monkeys were
plucked out by the trappers and often handled in a
way which could cause injury to the animals and
showed little regard for their welfare. They were
then forced into small, netted, plastic bags that
were tied closed and stored under planks in
darkness in the hold of the canoe. Such an ordeal
would be extremely frightening and stressful.

The monkeys were held in this way for a number of

days until the trappers returned to their villages,
only brought out to be washed in the river and given
food.
On one occasion, the trappers forcibly removed a
captured nursing infant from his mother and put
them in separate bags. According to a veterinary
expert both animals appeared to be severely
traumatised and it is unlikely that the infant would
survive. Once the trappers returned to their village,
the dealer arrived and a price for the monkeys was
negotiated. The adult female was sold at $125 and
juveniles at $50 each. BUAV investigators were told
that two of the monkeys would remain in the
dealers house for a further two days before being
taken by motorbike to the primate farm. The
monkeys remained in the tied bags inside a cage in
the house where human adults and children and at
least one dog were present. This unfamiliar
environment would have been extremely
distressing to these monkeys.

BUAV

In order to facilitate the setting up and operation of

breeding farms, considerable numbers of monkeys
are required to be taken from the wild. Considering
the large number and size of companies involved in
this industry, there has to be concern for the impact
this trade has had and continues to have on wild
macaque populations.

Monkeys were caught after becoming entangled in the submerged

nets.

CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

Conditions for Captive Primates

BUAV evidence from one breeding facility, Vanny
Bio-Research at Srok Kean Svay district, found
large groups of monkeys held in essentially barren
concrete and chain link pens. Although there were
a few platforms and a swing, the concrete floors
were barren; there was no other enrichment and no
high level platforms or places to hide. These
conditions would be extremely stressful for the
monkeys who were being forced to live in an open
space.

According to the TRAFFIC report, husbandry

practices were discussed with macaque breeders in
Cambodia. The report says that, based on these
discussions, on average infants are taken from their
mothers just two months after birth. This is highly
inappropriate for the normal and healthy
development of the infants (pp34-35).

BUAV

In another part of the farm our investigative footage

shows the confinement of many monkeys singly
housed in rows of small, barren cages with metal
grate floors. Some of the cages contained nursing
females with their infants, others housed infant

monkeys, too young to be away from their mothers,

on their own or in pairs. Such conditions would
cause suffering and distress. Monkeys are
intelligent and social animals, with a complex array
of behavioural and psychological needs, and
require the companionship of others of their kind as
well as a stimulating environment.

These infants, too young to be away from their mothers, cling to each other for security at Vanny Bio-Research.

CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

A veterinarians perspective
The BUAV supplied its visual materials to a veterinarian with extensive non-human primate
experience, Nedim C. Buyukmihci, V.M.D., Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Medicine at the
University of California, Davis. He provided an opinion on the impact that the handling and
treatment as well as the housing conditions had on the welfare of the primates seen in the
materials. His detailed concerns can be found in Appendix One.
As a veterinarian experienced with nonhuman primates, I found the video footage extremely
disturbing. I was shocked by the cruelty of the trapping method used, the brutal manner in which
the monkeys were handled and treated by the trappers, and the conditions in which the monkeys
were kept in the boats and in the holding facility. There is no doubt that these animals suffered
greatly, which should raise serious animal welfare concerns for anyone. This species of primate is
highly intelligent, social and sensitive. As a result, the monkeys clearly experienced terror and
stress at being caught in such a brutal way, taken from their natural habitat, separated from their
family and social groups and thrust into an unfamiliar and restricted environment. This was
particularly so for the infants who were separated from their mothers.
At the breeding facility, essentially barren concrete and chain link enclosures were being used to
hold numerous young and adult cynomolgus monkeys. The floors were concrete. Although there
were a few low to mid-level platforms and a swing, there was no other enrichment and no high
level platforms that would be important for this species which climbs high into trees when stressed
as these monkeys clearly were. As a result, the monkeys climbed as high as they could along the
chain link and hung there.
Some monkeys were also housed singly in small, barren metal cages with metal grate floors.
There was no enrichment. Nursing mothers were seen. There were also infant monkeys,
sometimes two to a cage, with no evidence of mothers, yet these individuals were too young to be
away from their mothers.
The pens were totally inappropriate for monkeys. There should have been an earthen floor with
vegetation, branches or other climbable structures that extended as high as possible in the
enclosure, sources of water that allowed for immersion of the monkeys, places to hide from either
aggressors or human observers. The cages were even worse in that there was nothing for the
monkeys, particularly for those adults housed singly. Social contact is critical for the well-being of
monkeys. These cages also prevented the animals from hiding, climbing or other normal activity.
Their welfare was being seriously compromised.
Nedim C. Buyukmihci, V.M.D., Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Medicine,
University of California, Davis

CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

5. BREACHES OF INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL

WELFARE GUIDELINES
The BUAV has a number of concerns regarding the
various aspects of the primate trade industrys
ability to comply with international guidelines on the
acquisition, care and breeding of non-human
primates. Of particular concern were the inhumane
and cruel methods used to trap wild monkeys and
the inadequate conditions in which captive primates
were housed. Our concerns are based primarily
upon the trapping expedition BUAV investigators
joined in the Tonle Sap region as well as video
evidence obtained at Vanny Bio-Research breeding
farm at Srok Kean Svay district in Cambodia.

International Primatological Society

Guidelines
The International Primatological Society (IPS)
publishes International Guidelines for the
Acquisition, Care and Breeding of Nonhuman
Primates (2007). They state:
The guidelines have been revised to take into
account considerable advances in scientific
knowledge in the field of primatology (e.g.,
physiological, psychological, socio-ecological
and behavioural) and major changes in attitudes
and practice, especially regarding animal
welfare. They aim to promote good practice in
the acquisition, care and breeding of primates,
and the enhancement of animal welfare (p1).

BUAV

Comments by Nedim C. Buyukmihci, V.M.D.,

Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Medicine at the
University of California, Davis on the impact that the
handling and treatment as well as the housing
conditions had on the welfare of the primates seen
in the materials in relation to IPS guidelines for the
acquisition, care and breeding of non-human
primates can be found in Appendix One.

Captured monkeys were forced into netted, plastic bags and stored under
the planks of the canoes.

The BUAV believes a number of IPS guidelines have been breached by various
aspects of the Cambodian primate trade industry. These include:

IPS guideline capture of monkeys from the wild:

The capture of primates from the wild is challenging and
potentially dangerous for the animals Methods used to
capture and handle primate should always be humane
and cause minimal stress (p3).
10

Our investigation showed that

the trapping and handling
process was frightening and
highly stressful for the primates.

CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

IPS guideline wild caught monkeys held in the field:

Animals held in the field should be kept as calm and
undisturbed as possible. Cages should be of a size
adequate to allow the animal to turn around and adjust
posture, slightly elevated off the ground to allow passage
of urine and feces (p4).

IPS guideline weaning and raising of infants:

It is important for primates to grow up in stable social
groups, preferably their natal group with their mothers, if
social interactions and parenting skills are to develop
adequately. It is, therefore, preferable to leave young
animals, and especially future breeding animals, in their
natal colony until they have become independent.
Should young animals, for their own welfare, have to be
weaned or separated earlier, it is advisable to incorporate
them into a well-organized group to avoid damage to their
social development, behaviour, physiology and
immune competence (p20).

IPS guideline housing and environmental

enrichment:
The aim of this code of practice is to outline the
requirements for housing and care of nonhuman primates
and the criteria for ensuring that their welfare, physical,
behavioural and psychological needs are met as far as is
possible in captive conditions (p42).

Our investigation showed that

monkeys were held in plastic
mesh bags that were small and
did not allow the monkeys to
assume any normal posture; they
would also urinate and defecate
on themselves. Some would have
been held like this for a number of
days. Keeping wild animals
restrained in this way, even for a
short period is extremely cruel.

Our investigation at the primate

facility showed infant monkeys,
sometimes two to a cage, with no
evidence of mothers. Yet these
individuals were too young to be
away from their mothers. We do
not know the circumstances by
which these monkeys came to be
without their mothers. It was
clear, however, that they were not
being housed with a social group
that would allow for their normal
development.

Our investigation showed that

essentially barren concrete and
chain link enclosures were being
used to hold numerous young
and adult long-tailed macaques.
These pens were totally
inappropriate for monkeys. Some
monkeys were also housed singly
in small, barren metal cages with
metal grate floors where there
was no evidence of any
enrichment.
11

CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

6. CITES ISSUES AND CONCERNS

CITES concerns itself with the international trade in
endangered species. Cambodias membership of
CITES was ratified in 1997. The investigation by the
BUAV raises questions as to whether Cambodia is
compliant in honouring its obligations under the
CITES convention. The BUAV has particular
concerns regarding the following requirements set
out by CITES for the trade in endangered animals.
A) Conservation status of the long-tailed
macaque
The BUAV is concerned about the current
conservation status of the long-tailed macaque in
Cambodia. The BUAV would like to know what
recent evidence the CITES Scientific Authority in
Cambodia has given to the CITES Management
Authority to enable it to continue to provide permits
for the capture of wild populations. Such evidence
is normally based on population surveys. The
BUAV is not aware of any such surveys by the
Cambodian authorities since 2005. It is concerned
by the fact that according to the TRAFFIC report
(p33) some of the population surveys were
apparently funded by the monkey breeders
themselves; clearly, they should not be relied on as
an objective source of this information.
Indeed the TRAFFIC report states:
As some of the population surveys were
financially supported by macaque breeders, to
ensure transparency, such support in future
should be discouraged (p33).
Since approximately 2004, Cambodia has become
a supplier of long-tailed macaques to the
international research industry. Its role appears to
be expanding as it secures new markets. The longtailed macaque is vulnerable to habitat loss through
deforestation and human encroachment. Any trade
in these primates will likely further exacerbate the
declining status of this species. Despite this, the
Cambodian government has allowed the

12

exploitation of its indigenous population of longtailed macaques through what appears to have
been a largely unregulated trade. In recent years,
there appears to have been indiscriminate and
widespread trapping of wild monkeys to establish
the numerous breeding and supply farms.
The BUAV investigation found that breeding farms
continued to buy monkeys captured from the wild.
Serious concerns, should, therefore, be raised
regarding the continuing reliance on wild
populations and the on-going expansion of the
macaque breeding industry. BUAV investigators
came across one site with large scale building in
progress. Questions need to be asked as to where
the monkeys for this farm will be derived. It is
almost inevitable that at least some will come from
wild populations.
B) Submission of annual reports by member
countries to CITES
Article VIII, paragraph 7 of the Convention requires
each party to submit an annual report on its CITES
trade, containing a summary of information on, inter
alia, the number and type of permits and certificates
granted, the States with which such trade occurred,
the quantities and types of specimens, and the
names of species as included in Appendices I, II
and III.
Cambodia appears to have failed to submit annual
reports to CITES. The most recent annual report
referred to on the CITES website is for 2002
although information on permits have been
submitted for 2003 and 2004.

 BUAV

CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

Normal movement is not possible for monkeys restrained in these bags in which they had to live for a number of days.

C) Welfare of animals
In addition, the BUAV believes that Cambodia falls
foul of Article IV 2c of CITES, as properly
interpreted, which states:
The export of any specimen of a species
included in Appendix II shall require the prior
grant and presentation of an export permit. An
export permit shall only be granted when the
following conditions have been met:
c) a Management Authority of the State of
export is satisfied that any living specimen will
be so prepared and shipped as to minimise
the risk of injury, damage to health or cruel
treatment.

The CITES secretariat maintains that this provision

does not apply to the trapping of animals destined
for international trade or to conditions at breeding
centres, but only to conditions at the port and
during international journeys.
The BUAV believes that is a specious argument
there is no logic in placing an obligation on a CITES
member to ensure that an animal destined for
international trade is cared for during some of the
process only. Moreover, injuries suffered and stress
experienced during trapping or at breeding centres
can impact on an animals ability to cope with (even
survive) international travel. The BUAV is raising
this issue with the CITES secretariat.

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CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

The UK should move toward a position where it

will only accept as purpose bred animals of the
second (F2) or subsequent generations bred in
captivity (p11).

D) Captive breeding
Concerns regarding the use of wild-caught or first
generation (F1) primates for research have been
voiced by the EUs own scientific committee, the
European Commissions Scientific Committee on
Animal Health and Welfare (SCAHAW), and also
the UKs Animal Procedures Committee (APC).
In 2002 SCAHAW produced a report The welfare
of non-human primates used in research Report
of the Scientific Committee on Animal Health &
Animal Welfare, adopted 17 Dec 2002.
As all primate species are endangered to some
extent and many are listed as such (IUCN,
2000), there is a position that no wild-caught
animals should be used, not even for breeding
purposes (alternatives exist through captive-bred
colonies exchanging animals). It is even more
important to avoid capturing animals from the
wild for animal welfare reasons, since trapping
the animals in the wild often causes death and
injuries and in all cases an enormous stress for
the captured primates. Also the catching of wild
animals risks introducing pathogens from the
wild into breeding colonies. Moreover as the
genetic background is unknown there is a further
danger of introducing unwanted genetic
characteristics (p50).

(Primates Sub-Committee report to Home Office

Animal Procedures Committee, February 2006
Acceptance of Overseas Centres supplying nonhuman primates to UK laboratories).
However the reality is that it is not feasible to make
a distinction between wild-caught and captive-bred
primates. The BUAV investigation raises real
concerns regarding the true status of so-called
captive breeding colonies in Cambodia and whether
they can ever be self-sustaining.
According to CITES permits dated from 2005 and
obtained by the BUAV, long-tailed macaques
exported from Cambodia have primarily been
described as captive-bred. Captive-bred animals
are defined by CITES as coming from selfsustaining colonies that are maintained without the
introduction of specimens from the wild and
established in a manner not detrimental to the
survival of the species in the wild. The operation
should also be managed in a manner that has
been demonstrated to be capable of reliably
producing second-generation offspring in a
controlled environment. (CITES Resolution Conf
10.16 (Rev)).

To discourage the use of wild-caught animals

the biomedical community should only accept
captive-bred animals that are of the second or
higher generation bred in captivity as being
classified as purpose-bred. This would help to
prevent the use of wild-caught animals as
breeders (p50).

BUAV

Furthermore, the UK governments own advisory

committee, The Animal Procedures Committee has
also stated that:

Monkey being restrained inside Vanny Bio-Research.

14

CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

However, the CITES definition of bred in captivity

specifically allows animals to be taken from the wild
in certain circumstances (for example, as breeding
stock). A captive-bred label can therefore conceal
the involvement of trapping of wild animals in a
so-called captive-bred programme. The BUAV
investigation shows incontrovertibly that wild-caught
macaques are being supplied to breeding-farms in
Cambodia.
A monkey does not reach sexual maturity until
around five years old, so infants would need to be
housed and fed for five years before they started to
produce offspring. For the establishment of a new
or expanded breeding operation in a country where
primates are indigenous, taking from the wild is
probably the easiest and cheapest option.
Moreover, in Cambodia, there appear to be no
quotas limiting the number of monkeys who may be
taken for this purpose. Given the expanding size of
the trade, the effects of this on the conservation of
the species can only be harmful, particularly as
females will be taken in large numbers for breeding
purposes. The trapping of monkeys for replenishing
breeding stock is carried out using the same
methods as those for the wild-caught trade.

Most source countries allow companies to replenish

their breeding 'stock' with wild-caught animals.
Companies will argue, however spuriously in the
context of research animals, that they need to
replenish their breeding 'stock' with wild-caught
animals for genetic diversity purposes rather than
keep a number of captive bred offspring back for
breeding.
In 1995 the UK Government introduced a policy
restriction on the use of wild-caught primates in
research. This was in part as a result of the BUAVs
pioneering Paradise Lost campaign which showed
that trapping a wild animal, particularly one as sensitive and sentient as a monkey, causes fear, anxiety and distress, to say nothing of the physical injuries (and even fatalities) that occur in the
struggle or the impact on already-threatened wild
populations. Under the policy, wild-caught primates
should now only be used when there is an
exceptional and specific justification.
The official wild-caught trade has in practice ended
in the UK but, for the reasons explained above, the
captive-bred trade that is intended to replace it
does not operate without taking animals from the
wild.

If countries such as the UK are serious about the unacceptability of trapping

wild-caught primates to satiate the appetite of the research industry for
primates, the only logical step is to ban the import of all primates from
countries which have an indigenous population (or where neighbouring
countries do), regardless of whether they are labelled captive-bred. Only in
that way will countries disapproving of the wild-caught trade have a real
impact on the trapping of wild primates for research.

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CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

7. RECOMMENDATIONS AND CALL TO ACTION

In light of its investigation the BUAV calls upon:

CITES management authority in countries (including the UK, France and the US) that
import primates to suspend issuing import permits for primates originating from
Cambodia. In the case of EU member states this would be under Article 4(2) of EC
Regulation 338/97. Article 4(2) governs the trade in macaques.

CITES Secretariat to carry out its own investigation into the Cambodian primate trade and,
if its findings confirm those of the BUAV, then recommend the suspension of CITES related
trade with Cambodia.

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Cambodia to immediately suspend all

CITES export permits for long-tailed macaques and carry out a full investigation of the
BUAVs findings.

The EU to ban imports of macaques from Cambodia under Article 4(6) of

EC Regulation 338/97.

The EU to ban the import of wild-caught and first generational primates.

The UK government to ban the importation of any primates from countries where there is
an indigenous population (or where a neighbouring country has one).

Since around 2004, Cambodia has emerged as a

supplier of long-tailed macaques to the international
research industry. Its role appears to be expanding
as it secures new markets. The trade in long-tailed
macaques (which according to CITES should be
subject to strict regulation) appears to have been
largely unregulated with slack enforcement of
guidelines and regulations.

16

The BUAVs investigation has highlighted disturbing

cruelty, breaches of animal welfare guidelines and
concerns over CITES implementation. It is now
clear that urgent action is needed by national and
international bodies to bring this trade to an end.

CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

APPENDIX ONE
Comments by Nedim C. Buyukmihci, V.M.D.,
Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Medicine at the
University of California, Davis on the impact that the
handling and treatment as well as the housing

conditions had on the welfare of the primates seen

in the materials in relation to IPS guidelines for the
acquisition, care and breeding of non-human
primates.

IPS guideline capture of monkeys from the wild:

The capture of primates from the wild is challenging and potentially dangerous for the animals.
Inexperienced handling can lead to significant morbidity and mortality for the animals. Methods used to
capture and handle primates, which vary widely between species and countries, should always be humane
and cause minimal stress. Institutions should ensure that anyone trapping primates is adequately trained
and competent inhumane methods of capture. The practice of mother-killing to obtain infants is
unacceptable. Capture methods should not render animals, or their troop members, unduly susceptible to
injury or death. Animals should not be captured in traps likely to produce injury or left in traps for any period
likely to cause harm or distress (p3).
Statement from veterinary advisor:
Trapping method
The monkeys in question were free-living (wild) individuals, present in dense vegetation within a water
substrate. Trapping involved frightening the monkeys by beating the vegetation with poles, driving them to
the water where submerged nets were set. The monkeys apparently tried to swim under water and were
then caught up in the nets. Driving monkeys in this fashion is frightening and highly stressful and could
lead to death through physiologic collapse (distress). I did not see any surfacing in the nets, probably
because of the presence of men and boats in the immediate vicinity. The men had to pull the nets out of
the water to retrieve the monkeys. It is possible, therefore, that this method could result in some of the
monkeys drowning in the nets before they are retrieved.
Handling of trapped monkeys
The trappers held the monkeys up by their tails and swung them vigorously, apparently in order to keep
the monkeys from biting them. This is a cruel and disrespectful way to treat monkeys. Because this species
of monkey does not have a prehensile tail, such handling could lead to injury, including the separation of
vertebrae in the tail leading to considerable pain. Some of the monkeys were roughly held with their arms
pulled behind them to the point that they touched. This is not a natural extension of the shoulder joint and
could lead to shoulder dislocation. There is no question that the monkeys were extremely frightened.

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CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

IPS guideline wild caught monkeys held in the field

Animals held in the field should be kept as calm and undisturbed as possible. Cages should be of a size
adequate to allow the animal to turn around and adjust posture, slightly elevated off the ground to allow
passage of urine and faeces, protected from environmental extremes, and provide adequate ventilation for
the duration of the transport period. To avoid contagion and trauma, animals should not be caged together
except for known family groups, mothers and infants, and young animals. Holding animals in human dwellings must be avoided. Significant morbidity and mortality following exposure to human pathogens has been
documented in primates newly captured from the wild and held in human settlements (p4).
Statement from veterinary advisor:
After capture, the monkeys were placed in bags which appeared to be plastic, but permeable to air and
water. The bags were small and did not allow the monkeys to assume any normal posture; they would also
urinate and defecate on themselves The neck of a bag was tied off and the monkey was then placed under
planks into a hold in the boat. These holds did not permit normal light access. It could not be determined
how long the monkeys were held in this fashion but possibly for up to three days or more, the duration of
the trapping. Keeping wild animals restrained in this way, even for a short period when such restraint is not
for their benefit, is extremely cruel.
A mother and her nursing infant were placed in separate bags and, it appeared, placed in separate boats.
This would cause considerable stress and anxiety for mother and infant and is also a cruel way to deal with
non-human primates.
There was a very young infant (probably less than a month old) who was by himself in a bag and when
removed, showed signs of imminent collapse (barely moving, seemingly unaware of external stimuli such
as handling by the men, unable to assume and hold any particular posture). It is not known if he was
captured with his mother or where his mother was. One man appeared to try to blow air into his mouth or
nose and then attempted to get water and food into him. At one point, it appeared that the monkey was
attempting to eat part of a banana. Soon after this, he was placed again into the bag and put in the hold of
a boat. This is of great concern in that this monkey was experiencing extreme stress that had evolved into
distress. I would not be surprised if he eventually died in the hold.
There was an infant monkey on some object being carried in the boat. The infant had apparently been
placed there and was sitting, not trying to escape, a highly abnormal situation for a wild animal suggesting
a degree of shock. He or she looked lost and scared and was calling for her or his mother. This infant was
clearly distressed and should not have been taken away from the mother.
At the end of the trapping, two monkeys were seen inside a home where human adults and children and
at least one dog were present. The monkeys were still restrained inside the bags that had been placed
inside a small cage. Not only would this unfamiliar environment be extremely distressing to these monkeys,
the monkeys would also be exposed to human pathogens.

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CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

IPS guideline weaning and raising of infants:

It is important for primates to grow up in stable social groups, preferably their natal group with their
mothers, if social interactions and parenting skills are to develop adequately. It is, therefore, preferable to
leave young animals, and especially future breeding animals, in their natal colony until they have become
independent. This is the best way to establish long-term breeders that will lead to self-sustaining colonies.
Should young animals, for their own welfare, have to be weaned or separated earlier, it is advisable to
incorporate them into a well-organized group to avoid damage to their social development, behaviour,
physiology and immune competence (p20).
To ensure normal psychological development, a complex and stimulating rearing environment must be
provided. Allowing infants to grow with their mothers and in a social group is necessary for normal
development. Infants should not be separated from their natal group at an early age but should remain with
their mother until weaning age which varies greatly between species. Hand-rearing should only be carried
out if the health of the infant (or mother) is in jeopardy (p21).
The young monkey should not normally be separated from its mother at an early age (i.e. at 6-8 months)
but should remain in contact for one year to 18 months, in most species. There is unlikely to be any greater
productivity through early weaning, in seasonally breeding species, such as rhesus monkeys. Even in
non-seasonal breeders, any slight increase in productivity must be offset against the resulting behavioural
abnormalities of the offspring (p48).

Statement from veterinary advisor:

The video footage taken at the primate facility showed infant monkeys, sometimes two to a cage (although
at least one appeared to be on his own), with no evidence of mothers, yet these individuals were too young
to be away from their mothers. Some infants who appeared to be less than a couple months old had been
given stuffed toys to which they clung.
We do not know the circumstances by which these monkeys came to be without their mothers, for
example whether their mothers were killed or died during trapping or whether they had deliberately been
removed from their mothers at an early age. It was clear, however, that they were not being housed with a
social group.
Social contact is critical for the well-being of monkeys. Their welfare in these conditions was being
seriously compromised. These infant monkeys should have been with their mothers and they were clearly
distressed. There is no question that this is one of the cruellest of treatments to which monkeys can be
subjected: infants separated from their mothers. Such separation leads to severe depression, dysfunctional
psychological development and sometimes death from physiologic collapse.

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CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

IPS guideline housing and environmental enrichment

The aim of this code of practice is to outline the requirements for housing and care of non-human
primates and the criteria for ensuring that their welfare, physical, behavioral and psychological needs are
met as far as is possible in captive conditions.
The principle underlying this code is that captive primates should be kept in environments that allow them
the freedom to express most normal behavior patterns (Webster, 1984; NIH/OLAW, 2005). Primates are
highly intelligent sentient beings; they require environmental stimulation and display a complex behavioral
repertoire. Furthermore, it is fully acknowledged that nonhuman primates have the capacity to experience
pain associated with experimental procedures as would human primates (Markowitz and Spinelli, 1986;
OECD, 2000; Smith and Boyd, 2002; U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of
Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training:
http://www.absc.usgs.gov/research/vet/policies/IRACPRIN.htm).
For primates, space is three-dimensional and should allow the individual to display its normal repertoire of
locomotor behavior, namely, to walk, climb, run, jump and swing. In an open situation, such as a
compound, climbing frames or trees are recommended, or, in a cage, vertical climbing surfaces and
perches. The provision of horizontal surfaces on which the primate can rest comfortably and perform social
interactions (e.g., sprawling during a grooming session) is also important (p43).

IPS guideline opportunity to express normal behavior patterns

One of the aims of these guidelines is to describe how to provide opportunities for primates to express
most normal behavior patterns (Clum et al., 2005). However, all behaviors are not of equal significance to
the animal and the opportunities to carry out certain types of behavior are of particular benefit. The most
important of which are:
1) Physical contact with conspecifics (Schapiro et al., 1996; Lutz and Novak, 2005).
2) Opportunities for increased foraging (Chamove et al., 1982; Chamove, 2001)
3) Opportunities for normal locomotion to maintain physical health (Leu et al., 1993; Pines et al., 2005).
4) A secure environment, including opportunities to avoid conspecifics and potential or perceived threats,
and a comfortable place to sleep (Segal, 1989; Laule, 2005).
5) Novelty and variety of objects to allow stimulation of cognitive abilities (Wemelsfelder, 1984; Beaver,
1989; Matsuzawa et al., 2006).
6) Opportunities to exert choice and control over the environment (Buchanan-Smith, 1997; Shepherdson,
2003; Metzger and McCann, 2005) (pp44-45).

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CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

BUAV

At Vanny Bio-Research, these monkeys were kept in essentially

barren concrete and chain link pens

Statement from veterinary advisor:

At the primate facility seen on the video, the footage showed that captive monkeys were not being kept in
environments that allow them the freedom to express most normal behaviour patterns, nor was there
appropriate housing or environmental enrichment.
Essentially barren concrete and chain link enclosures were being used to hold numerous young and adult
cynomolgus monkeys. The floors were concrete. Although there were a few low to mid-level platforms and
a swing, there was no other enrichment and no high level platforms that would be important for this species
which climbs high into trees when stressed as these monkeys clearly were. As a result, the monkeys
climbed as high as they could along the chain link and hung there. There were females with nursing
babies. The monkeys had thin metal collars around their necks, each with a large metal medallion in front.
These collars were tight enough in some cases to indent the neck, particularly when the monkey moved
her or his head to the side. The medallions often stuck out and could not lie flat, further discomfiting the
monkeys. Water was available only by means of a pipe with a licking apparatus on the end; no tubs were
present to provide the monkeys with a means of getting into water. Food appeared to consist only of
biscuits which were strewn about the concrete floors amongst urine and faeces.
Monkeys were also housed singly in small, barren metal cages with metal grate floors. There was no
enrichment. Nursing mothers were seen. There were also infant monkeys, sometimes two to a cage, with
no evidence of mothers, yet these individuals were too young to be away from their mothers. Some infants
had been given stuffed toys to which they clung. Water in these cages was provided by pipe and licking
apparatus as in the pens.
The pens were totally inappropriate for monkeys. There should have been an earthen floor with
vegetation, branches or other climbable structures that extended as high as possible in the enclosure,
sources of water that allowed for immersion of the monkeys, places to hide from either aggressors or
human observers. The cages were even worse in that there was nothing for the monkeys, particularly for
those adults, housed singly. Social contact is critical for the well-being of monkeys. These cages also
prevented the animals from hiding, climbing or other normal activity. Their welfare was being seriously
compromised.

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CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

Summary of IPS guidelines

The captive environment should incorporate sufficient usable space and environmental complexity to allow
primates to show a wide repertoire of behavior appropriate for the species, including beneficial social
behavior.
The provision of compatible companions greatly extends the range of activities possible for the
individual. Primates of gregarious species should, unless there are compelling medical or scientific reasons
for not doing so, be housed socially in shared enclosures.
Where single caging is absolutely unavoidable, the primates environment can be improved by environmental enrichment to encourage a varied daily time budget, exercise, both physical and mental, and the
development of motor skills (p53).
Statement from veterinary advisor:

BUAV

At the primate facility seen on the video, the footage showed that the monkeys who were group housed in
pens at least had some space and the companionship of others albeit it under stressful conditions and
insufficient for the number of monkeys in the pens. There was no environmental complexity. Singly housed
monkeys did not have the above.

Rows of small, barren cages inside Vanny Bio-Research .

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CAMBODIA THE TRADE IN PRIMATES FOR RESEARCH

SUMMARY OF THE BUAVS INTERNATIONAL

PRIMATE TRADE INVESTIGATIONS
In 1992, BUAVs Paradise Lost was the first ever
in-depth investigation of the international trade in
nonhuman primates for research. The BUAV
followed the chain of supply from the capture of wild
macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in source countries
such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Mauritius,
through the shipment and holding of primates
(Macaca fascicularis, Macaca mulatta and Papio
anubis) at Shamrock (GB) Ltd, which at the time

was Europes largest primate supply company.

What emerged was a shocking and disturbing
account of the suffering and death inflicted on
primates destined for the international research
industry. Images never before captured on film,
revealed the brutality and cruelty inflicted on
monkeys during their capture, caging,
transportation, holding at Shamrock and eventual
death in the laboratory.

Major findings included:

High mortality rates of monkeys trapped in the wild. As many as 8 out of every 10 monkeys
captured died before reaching the laboratory.
Cruelty inflicted on monkeys during the trapping process.
Appalling conditions at holding centres in source countries. Monkeys kept in cramped and
overcrowded conditions.
Suffering and losses inflicted on monkeys travelling as cargo on passenger airlines.
High illness, disease and mortality rates of imported monkeys from source countries arriving at
UK primate supply company Shamrock.
Poor conditions, mistreatment and the desensitized attitudes of staff at facilities in the UK.

Since the launch of Paradise Lost, the BUAV has continued to investigate and monitor the international trade
in primates for research.
Among the other investigations that have taken place are:

The trade in wild-caught African green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) on the Caribbean
islands of Barbados and St Kitts. Findings included the use of cruel methods of capture and poor
holding conditions in which singly housed monkeys were kept in small wire or wooden cages.

The trade in wild-caught baboons from Tanzania (Papio anubis). Findings included the appalling
conditions in which wild-caught baboons were held prior to export. Baboons were kept in rows of
small, dilapidated wooden crates on a rundown site.

The trade in macaques (Macaca fascicularis) from Vietnam. Findings included the industrial
scale breeding of primates. Monkeys were housed in poor conditions which breached the
guidelines of the International Primatological Societys International Guidelines for the
Acquisition, Care and Breeding of Nonhuman Primates.

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