Handbook of Primate Husbandry and Welfare

Sarah Wolfensohn & Paul Honess (2005)

Blackwell Publishing

ISBN 1405111585 (paperback) £34.99 / $69.99

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This book outlines the basic husbandry of primates and factors that can help improve their welfare when in captivity.   The authors cover nine main topics starting with general information on primate classification, the design and maintenance of a primate facility and the management, health and safety of staff.  The book then discusses the nutritional requirements of primates including hand-rearing of infants and the assessment of physical well-being, psychological well-being and the advantages and disadvantages of training primates.  Finally mating systems and breeding are discussed and transportation rules and recommendations.

Although when reading this book it is apparent that many examples and management techniques arise from experience of housing laboratory primates, the book is also useful for zoo personnel.  It is important that people reading this book read the preface as the authors explain that although the above is true the “principles of improving primate welfare can be applied to all captive primates whether in zoos, laboratories or private collections”.  Some recommendations are not practical for a zoo environment due to limited staff, time and money but the book gives an ideal standard that can be followed when possible.

This book is a good source of reference for people working with primates or starting off a collection.  It is concise and provides valuable information, collated all in one source along with recommendations and comments from the experience of the authors.  There has been a lack of up-to-date concise books on this topic and the Handbook of Primate Husbandry and Welfare fills this niche.

LINDSAY SKYNER

University of Chester