Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) has uncovered new insights into the lifespan of nonhuman primates in captivity. Dr. Hillary F. Huber and her team, including collaborators from Wake Forest University, have compiled the largest database to date on primate lifespans, challenging long-held assumptions and providing crucial information for future research. 

The study, which included data from 12 primate species across 15 institutes, including all seven National Primate Research Centers, revealed that the median lifespan for many primates used in biomedical research is lower than previously reported. For example, baboons, often thought to live up to 37.5 years, were found to have a maximum observed lifespan of 30 years in research settings, with a median age at death of just 11.5 years. 

This discrepancy highlights the importance of using median age rather than maximum lifespan when considering animal models for human aging research. As Dr. Huber points out, “Having a more accurate understanding of how long nonhuman primates live in captivity is essential for researchers to correctly correlate health and disease observations in primates to humans.” 

The study’s strict methodology—limited to animals with known birth dates and death dates who died naturally or were humanely euthanized after developing a serious disease such as cancer—ensures robust data. This approach provides a more accurate picture of primate health span – the length of healthy life free from major diseases – which aligns closely with current geroscience research focusing on improving quality of life throughout the human lifespan. 

The Southwest National Primate Research Center at Texas Biomed played a critical role in this study, contributing valuable data and expertise. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of National Primate Research Centers to improve animal care, medical treatments and research methods – all supporting the broader goal of advancing animal and human health.