Seven baby monkeys died of poisoning at one of the biggest primate research centres in the US, according to a report shared with The Guardian.
The deaths of the monkeys were described as an accident brought about when a mother was marked with dye.
After being reunited with her children, the dye was transferred to the young macaques and poisoned them fatally.
One of the babies was only a day old and none were older than a few weeks.
The incidents were reported to government authorities last year and recently updated in a letter sent to the Guardian.
UC Davis told watchdog the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare the babies suffered from ‘weakness and respiratory distress’ and dye was found on their lips and tongues.
Two macaques had “severe edema and swelling of the larynx and tongue”. All seven animals were found with dye on their mouths, fur or skin.
The watchdog said from now on infants should be kept away from the deadly dye and mothers tested on should be separated from their offspring for longer.
The centre keeps 4,200 primates used to research HIV/Aids, Zika virus and other infectious diseases, respiratory disease, reproductive health, Alzheimer’s disease and ageing.
UC Davis was also investigated in 2016 over abuse to its primates. The investigation discovered that multiple primates had fractured bones while trying to escape through an unsecured door at the centre.
And in 2005 seven monkeys died from heat overexposure, for which the US Department of Agriculture subsequently handed the university a $4,815 fine.
A UC Davis spokesman said in a statement that primates are kept in extended family groups at the centre, get regular medical exams and live up to 38 years.
“We strive to take the best possible care of animals in our charge,” they said, adding that “center staff changed procedures so they no longer dye-mark monkeys under six months of age and take other steps to minimize dye transfer”.
What do you think of UC Davis? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
Kim Kardashian shows ‘plant-based does a body good’ in latest post
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 19th February 2021
The reality TV star frequently promotes her ‘plant-based life’ on Instagram. Kim Kardashian says “plant-based does a body good” in her latest Instagram post to 205 million followers. The reality TV star turned entrepreneur shared a series of pictures showcasing her svelte figure. This post promoting a plant-based lifestyle is the latest of many that …
Adidas bans fur, commits to sustainable material innovations
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 19th February 2021
“The permanent renunciation of fur underlines our commitment in searching for and scaling up sustainable material innovations.” Adidas has announced it is banning animal fur from its supply chain to ‘take a clear stand on animal welfare.’ The sportswear giant, which doesn’t currently use fur in its collections, also became the 1,500th apparel company to …
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a …
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …