Today the NPRCs led a coordinated response to voice concerns about a recent CDC plan to transfer approximately 160 macaques to the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary.

In collaboration with more than 20 scientific, veterinary and biomedical research organizations, institutions and others, the NPRCs sent a letter to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya requesting a transparent retirement plan that prioritizes the welfare, safety, behavioral stability and long-term quality of life for the macaques. The current CDC plan is inconsistent with best practices for introducing adult macaques into a large social group setting, putting their welfare at risk.

The letter also calls into question the sanctuary’s staffing and expertise to safely carry out a transition of this magnitude and complexity. In addition, the signatories raise additional concerns regarding the validity and accuracy of the CDC’s sole source justification for selecting Born Free as the only qualified retirement option.

The signatories emphasize the welfare of these macaques must be the overriding priority in any retirement decision.

Read the full letter here.