For many years, long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) have benefited humans by being models in biomedical research such as in pharmacology, toxicology, surgery, and immunology. They are chosen for this purpose since they can withstand the pressure of human activities and adapt well to the anthropogenic environment.
Mini-City of Monkeys
A proposal was made to build a large complex which would allow thousands of long-tailed macaques to roam within outfitted warehouses in Georgia. The $396 million simian metropolis will be developed by Safer Human Medicines, a company with extensive expertise in drug development.
The sprawling compound will be the largest monkey-breeding facility in the US at 200 acres. Over the next 20 years, it will gather a mega-troop of almost 30,000 long-tailed macaques in huge barn-like structures in Bainbridge, a city in Georgia with a human population of only 14,000.
The unusually large number of monkeys that it will keep will be sent out to universities and pharmaceutical companies for medical research. According to Safer Human Medicine, the monkeys will be kept in highly secured conditions, will be fed fresh local produce, and will not spread disease in the local area.
Investors expect the monkey breeding facility to be fully operational by the end of 2024. Meanwhile, the full 30,000 monkeys would not be on site for about nine years.
Backlash Against the Proposal
However, the proposal faces opposition, with some local residents calling on authorities to stop the construction of the primate manse. They believe that these animals are an invasive species and the locals might be overrun with monkeys.
Animal rights groups also wanted the plan to be scrapped, arguing that the practice of breeding primates for medical tests is a cruel act. They also emphasized that it only provides little benefit in developing new treatments for humans due to differences between the species.
According to Humane Society vice-president of animal research issues, this move does not only worsen the threat to the survival of primates in the wild, but it also perpetuates a cycle that humans should be breaking away from. The organization urged local officials to reject the proposal to construct this facility and the federal government to prioritize science that will benefit both human and animal lives.
Every year, about 70,000 monkeys are still being used across the country for testing of treatment against infectious diseases and neurological conditions. The researchers also warn that the US runs low on available primates for such tests. According to Safer Human Medicine, its proposed monkey research complex will help address this concern, while also creating over 260 local jobs.
A company spokesperson also noted that there could be a lot of misinformation surrounding animal research. It was emphasized that the goal of the company is to provide the Bainbridge community with the needed facts and accurate information about their purpose and the operation of the facility.
The monkey breeding facility initially secured tax breaks ahead of the proposed construction. According to Safer Human Medicine, it plans to press on with the animal containment plan even without the tax breaks.
An open letter was sent by the company to the residents which included a mocked-up picture of monkeys joyfully playing with toys in a light-filled, apartment-like room. The letter emphasized the important role played by macaques in saving human lives.
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