Stop the import of wild primates for the research and testing industries

Canada has imported nearly 1,800 wild-caught macaques for the research and testing industries in just three years—making it one of the world’s top importers of endangered primates. These long-tailed macaques, listed as Endangered by the IUCN, were ripped from the wild in Mauritius and Cambodia and shipped to Canadian facilities, primarily in Quebec.

This trade causes immense suffering, poses serious public health risks, and undermines scientific integrity. Wild primates carry zoonotic diseases and yield even more unreliable research results than captive-bred primates due to their unknown histories and genetics.

Humane World for Animals Canada is urging the Canadian government to take immediate action to:

Ban the import (except for sanctuary rehabilitation), sale and use of wild-caught primates.
Ensure the welfare of all imported macaques—at the importer’s expense.
Invest in cruelty-free, human-relevant research methods.
Advocate for increased transparency in Canada’s animal research oversight under the Canadian Council on Animal Care.

Ask lawmakers to protect animals, public health and scientific ethics.

Your message

Subject*

Minister

Julie

Dabrusin

Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Minister

Marjorie

Michel

Parliament of Canada

Dear Hon Marjorie Michel and Hon Julie Dabrusin,  
 
I am writing to express my strong support for immediate government action to ban the import, sale and use of wild-caught endangered macaques in Canada.   
 
Between 2021 and 2023, Canada imported 1,796 wild macaques for the research and testing industries—primarily long-tailed macaques from Mauritius and Cambodia—despite their classification as Endangered by the IUCN.  These animals suffer immensely during their capture, transport and final confinement in laboratories. They also pose serious public health risks due to the potential of zoonotic disease transmission.  
 
Even captive-bred primates yield unreliable results when used in research and testing—and wild-caught animals are an even greater liability, lacking standardized history or genetic profiles. I respectfully ask you to take urgent action to:

•	Ban the import (except for sanctuary rehabilitation), sale and use of wild-caught primates. 

•	Ensure the welfare of all imported macaques—at the importer’s expense. 

•	Invest in cruelty-free, human-relevant research methods. 

•	Advocate for increased transparency in Canada’s animal research oversight under the Canadian Council on Animal Care. 

Canada should put into action its commitment to protecting global biodiversity. Can I count on you to take decisive action to ensure Canada stops the import of these endangered macaques?

{user_data~First Name} {user_data~Last Name}
{user_data~Address 1}
{user_data~City}, {user_data~Province} {user_data~Postal Code}

Your information

Country

First name

Last name

Street address

Apartment, suite or other

City

Province

Postal code

Email address

Mobile phone number (optional)

(Optional) By providing your U.S. mobile number, you agree to receive periodic text messages from Humane World for Animals with updates and ways you can help animals. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to 77879 to opt out, HELP for info. Privacy Policy. Terms & Conditions.

By providing your mobile number, you agree to receive periodic text messages from Humane World for Animals with updates and ways you can help animals. Standard msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP or ARRET to 77877 to opt out, HELP or AIDE for info. Privacy Policy. Terms & Conditions.

Check this box to receive email updates and action alerts from Humane World for Animals. You may unsubscribe at any time.

By submitting this form, I confirm that I would like to receive occasional email updates and action alerts for animals.

[Consent Modal]