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Nursery Rearing Of Nonhuman Primates In The 21st Century: Developments In

Miguel de Cervantes

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Published in Nursery Rearing Of Nonhuman Primates In The 21st Century (Developments In Primatology: Progress And Prospects)

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Nursery rearing is the practice of removing infant nonhuman primates from their mothers and raising them in a controlled environment. This practice has been used for decades in research settings, and more recently, in zoos and sanctuaries. Nursery rearing can provide a number of benefits for both the infants and the mothers, but it also comes with some challenges.

Nursery Rearing of Nonhuman Primates in the 21st Century (Developments in Primatology: Progress and Prospects)

by Yasushi Inoue

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Benefits Of Nursery Rearing

There are a number of benefits to nursery rearing nonhuman primates. These benefits include:

Improved socialization: Nursery-reared primates have the opportunity to interact with other infants of their own age, which can help them develop important social skills. This can be especially beneficial for primates that will eventually be reintroduced into the wild, as it can help them learn how to behave in a social group.

Enhanced cognitive development: Nursery-reared primates have access to a variety of enrichment activities that can help them develop their cognitive skills. These activities can include puzzles, toys, and interactive games. This can help them learn how to problem-solve and adapt to new situations.

Reduced stress levels: Nursery-reared primates are often less stressed than their wild-reared counterparts. This is because they are not exposed to the same environmental stressors, such as predators and competition for food.

Challenges Of Nursery Rearing

There are also some challenges associated with nursery rearing nonhuman primates. These challenges include:

Lack of maternal care: Nursery-reared primates do not have the opportunity to receive maternal care from their mothers. This can have a negative impact on their development, as maternal care is essential for the development of social, emotional, and cognitive skills.

Increased risk of disease: Nursery-reared primates are more likely to develop diseases than their wild-reared counterparts. This is because they are not exposed to the same natural antibodies that wild-reared primates receive from their mothers.

Difficulty reintroducing into the wild: Nursery-reared primates can have difficulty reintroducing into the wild. This is because they have not learned how to behave in a social group and they may not be able to find food or shelter on their own.

Ethical Considerations

There are a number of ethical considerations that must be taken into account when deciding whether or not to nursery rear a nonhuman primate. These considerations include:

The welfare of the infant: The welfare of the infant should be the primary consideration when making a decision about nursery rearing. It is important to ensure that the infant will receive the necessary care and socialization to develop properly.

The welfare of the mother: The welfare of the mother should also be considered. Removing an infant from its mother can be stressful for both the mother and the infant.

The purpose of nursery rearing: The purpose of nursery rearing should be carefully considered. Nursery rearing should only be used for legitimate scientific or conservation purposes. It should not be used for commercial purposes or for entertainment.

Collaboration Between Researchers And Practitioners

Collaboration between researchers and practitioners is essential to ensure the best possible outcomes for nursery-reared primates. Researchers can provide practitioners with the latest scientific knowledge about the development and care of nonhuman primates. Practitioners can provide researchers with feedback on the practical challenges of nursery rearing. By working together, researchers and practitioners can develop best practices for nursery rearing that will benefit both the infants and the mothers.

Nursery rearing of nonhuman primates is a complex issue with both benefits and challenges. It is important to carefully weigh the benefits and risks before making a decision about whether or not to nursery rear a nonhuman primate. If nursery rearing is done for legitimate scientific or conservation purposes, and if the welfare of the infant and the mother is taken into account, it can be a valuable tool for improving the lives of nonhuman primates.

Nursery Rearing of Nonhuman Primates in the 21st Century (Developments in Primatology: Progress and Prospects)

by Yasushi Inoue

5 out of 5