Colony of macaque monkeys from Utrecht University at BPRC

The new animal housing facilities at BPRC in Rijswijk have recently acquired a colony of macaque monkeys from Utrecht University. This colony has been used for behavioural research for many years, but the facilities had become outdated. With financial support of Utrecht University, OC&W and BPRC a new facility for the monkeys was built in Rijswijk. This provides large inside- and outside areas and play areas allowing the moneys to be housed in social groups. The facilities are similar to those provided for all of the BPRC colonies; this provides a stress free environment and for behavioural research it is important that monkeys live true to nature so far as possible and so enjoy the biggest possible space and freedom. The new residence in Rijswijk meets the conditions for high quality behavioural studies. The colony will also be a focal point for student training and BPRC will host students from Utrecht University on an annual basis. With this new facility and the rehousing of the colony to Rijswijk the conditions to allow scientific behavioural studies in collaboration between BPRC and University of Utrecht are met.