In a landmark move, the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) board voted on Monday, February 9 to negotiate with the NIH to potentially transform the Oregon National Primate Research Center into an animal sanctuary, radically transforming the lives of the 5,000 monkeys currently held there.

This decision marks a 180-day window for OHSU to coordinate with the NIH to evaluate a transition plan. Notably, the resolution includes a directive to pause unnecessary breeding of monkeys at the center. It also provides for the center to invest in modern, human-relevant science like bio-fabrication and gene therapy.

CAARE views this development as a metaphor for the broader fight to end animal experimentation. While we are making unprecedented progress and moving closer to our goals, we are not there yet. The board’s decision is a compromise: while they explore sanctuary options, they also voted to allow current research on monkeys to continue and to permit primate researchers to seek new grants.

This underscores a critical truth: what we do now is vital. We are in a transitional space where the momentum is on our side, but the outcome is not yet guaranteed.

CAARE will be closely monitoring these negotiations. OHSU’s president has pledged transparency and to include input from the animal protection community. CAARE will provide formal input through letters and advocacy to ensure our voices are heard.

We must stay engaged to ensure that the outcome is truly a win for animals. When the New England Primate Research Center, associated with Harvard Medical School, closed in 2015, the majority of the monkeys were simply shipped to other research labs. We will work to ensure that the closure of ONPRC leads to true sanctuary, not a redistribution of monkey victims to other facilities.

The road ahead requires vigilance. Recent developments have moved us closer to a future without animal testing, and with your continued support, we will ensure this exciting new development truly leads to the closure of a major animal research lab and a permanent victory for the animals.

Citizens for Alternatives to Animal Research and Experimentation (CAARE), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, established to highlight and promote research without animals. Please donate to support CAARE’s mission to reduce animal suffering by disseminating information about the power and progress of research without animals. 

We gratefully accept gifts from Donor Advised Funds. Our legal name is Citizens for Alternatives to Animal Research and Experimentation, EIN: 46-5261800, P.O. Box 102, Ardsley, NY 10502.