Inside a York University Lab: Investigation Exposes Suffering of Nine Primates Used for Research

A recent nine-month undercover investigation conducted by Last Chance for Animals (LCA) has exposed the cruel treatment of nine rhesus macaques: Bento, Kenny, Magneto, Do, Hannah, Liesl, Mini-Sass, Olivia, and Virginia who are being used in neuroscience research at York University in Toronto. This is one of the first undercover investigations done by an animal rights group into animal research at a Canadian university and it revealed prolonged suffering, isolation, and control of these highly vulnerable individuals.

An LCA investigator, working inside the lab as a Laboratory Animal Attendant, witnessed these animals enduring repeated surgeries, invasive procedures, and lives stripped of any semblance of normalcy. In total, the macaques underwent more than 80 surgeries. Seven of the nine were kept alone—deprived of the social bonds that are essential to their psychological well-being.

The footage [trigger warning] is difficult to watch. It shows the macaques living with headposts and chamber implants, many of which were encrusted with dried blood. Kenny was able to remove his implant, leaving an open wound in his head. Several female macaques underwent multiple eye coil surgeries, with Liesl suffering from significant vision loss. Water deprivation was used as a tool of compliance, causing some of them to drink their own urine. The head primate technician admitted that they did not think the macaques were getting enough water to prevent dehydration.

All of the macaques wore permanent restraint collars, which were used along with a pole to move them from their cages into a restraint chair. As a result, the macaques did not exhibit their natural behaviours, were pacing in their cages, and pulling out their hair. The macaques were struggling to swallow their food and were gripping their restraint collars.

Source: Last Chance for Animals

This raises serious concerns about what may be happening behind closed doors in other research facilities across the province — but change is within reach if we all work together.

Take Action Now: Tell Ontario to Protect Non-Human Primates from Invasive Research

Ontario recently passed Bill 75, which amended the Animals for Research Act to prohibit the use of dogs and cats in "invasive medical research". Importantly, the law also allows the government to extend this same prohibition to other species through regulation—without needing to pass a whole new law.

That means non-human primates, like the macaques at York University, could be protected next—but only if the government chooses to act. You can help make that happen.

Animal Alliance of Canada has created a form letter you can use to contact Ontario’s Premier, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, and (if you live in Ontario) your Member of Provincial Parliament.

Take Action

You can also leave a voicemail for York University’s Office of the Vice‑President Research & Innovation at 416‑736‑5479. For example, you can say:

“I’m calling to urge York University to stop primate research and to retire the primates in its care who are used in research, and send them to a species‑appropriate facility.”

For York University Students or Alumni, consider adding a personalized touch when calling York - let them know you’re an alumnus and extremely shocked and disappointed to learn this is taking place on campus.

These small steps can create the public pressure necessary to rescue the macaques still trapped at York, and prevent future ones from enduring similar fates.