Welfare of primates: breeding
Animals used for breeding may need special areas within the enclosure to protect them from other animals.
Breeding and primates
Breeding should only take place if:
- steps have been taken to protect the genetic health of the young, for example by preventing inbreeding or breeding between different species, which could cause welfare problems later, ideally through a recognised breeding programme
- there is enough space for the group to grow, or the keeper is sure that the young can go to owners who can provide suitable care
- a suitable contraception method is available to prevent unwanted breeding, including surgical or medical methods
Animals used for breeding may need special areas within the enclosure to protect them from other animals. Breeding animals and young animals may also need a different diet.
Young animals depend on their mothers for a long time and must not be separated from them or from their family group during this period. This dependence continues after weaning.
How long a primate should stay with its mother
To learn important life skills, a young primate should stay with its mother while a younger sibling is born and raised. In most cases, this means until the primate reaches sexual maturity. For example, capuchin monkeys do not usually reach sexual maturity until they are more than four years old.
However, capuchins are often taken away from their mothers when they are only a few months old. At this age, an infant monkey will cling naturally to the person holding it, and may seem easy to manage for the first few years.
However, removing a young primate too early can cause serious harm, including behaviour problems and poor brain development.
Hand-rearing should only happen when it is essential, for example if a baby animal has been orphaned or rejected. Specialist advice should be sought.
A breeding health plan should be part of the veterinary health plan.
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