The Animal Resources Division (ARD) provides the comprehensive infrastructure support necessary for appropriate care and research application of nonhuman primates. The mission of the WaNPRC is to provide an enriched environment to support outstanding biomedical research directed towards significant human health issues and nonhuman primate health, psychological well-being and biology.
As such, the division provides the components necessary to ensure successful completion of research studies that utilize nonhuman primates. These components include all aspects of animal resources, animal acquisition and production, animal husbandry, veterinary medicine and surgery, nonhuman primate psychological well-being and behavioral management, pathology, health and genetics monitoring. These resources are integrated into an effective support network meeting the goal of comprehensive, cost-effective support for research protocols.
The division oversees WaNPRC’s SPF Macaca nemestrina breeding colony as well as research primate colonies consisting of Macaca nemestrina, M. fascicularis, and M. mulatta. The division is committed to ensure access for all investigative groups whether they originate from within the WaNPRC, the University of Washington, or outside institutions. In addition, the division provides training, occupational health and biosafety services, and facility maintenance in order to provide a safe and effective environment for housing and research activities involving nonhuman primates.
Furthermore, members of the Animal Resources Division are nationally and internationally recognized experts in the field of nonhuman primate management, production, care, psychological well-being, regulatory compliance, and research utilization. These individuals provide valuable consultative services to national and international research communities regarding all aspects of nonhuman primate care and use.