Environmental Enrichment Program for Serial Probe Recognition (SPR) TrainedMacaca mulatta

摘要

In an effort to insure that a physically and mentally stimulating environment isprovided for social animals in captivity, the establishment of an enrichment program for primates was mandated by Congress in the Amendment to the Animal Welfare Act, 1985. The function of the primate environmental enrichment program implemented by the Advanced Assessment Branch of the Drug Assessment Division is to provide for the psychological well-being of Rhesus monkeys being trained in a serial probe recognition (SPR) task. An effective enrichment plan improves the psychological as well as the physiological health of primates. The nonhuman primates must be in good physical health and express a substantial range of species-appropriate behaviors. A plan should incorporate devices that require the use of all the senses; tactile, visual, olfactory, auditory and gustatory (Mahoney, 1992). Enrichment devices must also promote foraging and locomotor behaviors as these are primary behaviors in non-captive nonhuman primates. An enrichment program is best evaluated by examining the physical health, behavioral repertoire, stress, and coping skills of the primates maintained in the program (Novak Suomi, 1991). A variety of enrichment strategies should be used to identify those strategies that best promote psychological well being in Rhesus monkeys allowing the most efficient allocation of resources. An effective enrichment plan requires the joint effort of investigators, technicians, veterinarians and caretaker staff.