Take Action Now! York University's Abuse of Nine Macaques

Warning: This post contains graphic content that may be distressing for some readers.

This information was obtained from an article written by Stacey Kuznetsova from the Investigative Journalism Bureau, dated April 8, 2026.

An Ontario university has been exposed for abusing nine Rhesus macaques as part of their neuroscience research. The abuse has been going on for almost two decades, with some of the macaques being held captive for 17 years. Although the mistreatment of these animals has been occurring for years, it has only just now come to the forefront after a whistleblower with Last Chance for Animals filmed inside the research facility. The whistleblower was also able to shed light on the health records and experiments performed on the macaques, including injuries from attempted escapes and infections. The macaques show visible signs of stress, such as pacing, swaying, having difficulty swallowing with their collar restraints, and even drinking their own urine due to dehydration.

Kenny, one of the macaques, spent a day scratching at the metal protruding brain implant in his head until it bled, and pulled another infected implant out of his ear. This is just one example of the conditions these macaques have lived in since 2009.

According to the Canadian Council of Animal Care guidelines, during research with nonhuman primates, there are requirements to ensure the primates are not experiencing pain, are healthy, there is minimal use of restraints, and the animals are provided with socialization. It was determined that York University failed to meet these requirements and therefore the welfare of the macaques is a concern. The video footage and images from inside the facility prove that the macaques are experiencing unethical and abusive conditions.

One of the macaques at the York University neuroscience research facility, filmed by the whistleblower.

There are petitions and actions people can support to hopefully put an end to the mistreatment of these macaques at York University. Here are some resources to explore:

• Last Chance for Animals has a lot more information on the topic here

  • Take action by submitting the form here.

• The Animal Alliance of Canada

  • Petition you can sign here, that urges the Ontario Government to strengthen Bill 75 under the Animals for Research Act. The abuse of the macaques at York University needs to end.