The BUAV has released the findings of its latest investigation of the international trade in primates for research.  We are calling on CITES (the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species) to take action following our investigation into a shocking and growing trade in primates from Laos to China and Vietnam for the research industry. BUAV investigators were able to secretly film inside the largest monkey farm in what is the first exposé of the primate trade in Laos.

Our findings reveal a disturbing picture of animal suffering along with serious concerns over the conservation status of the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) in SE Asia and Laos’s compliance with CITES. The investigation also raises questions about the role of primate farms in China in re-exporting primates from Laos to research laboratories in the USA and Europe.

BUAV’s Director of Special Projects, Sarah Kite states: "The BUAV wants an end to this cruel and barbaric trade. We are calling for a full investigation into our findings. CITES and governments must start to address the growing concerns that surround the plundering of the macaque populations from their native forests in South East Asia to feed the international research industry."

See press release

23rd February 2010