At York University's primate lab, allegations of bruises, bloody wounds, and escapes have emerged, prompting an investigation. The university maintains that the research macaques are well cared for, but activists argue that the animals' condition may compromise scientific findings.
Whistleblower Video Triggers Formal Complaint
Video footage captured by a whistleblower at York University has led to a formal complaint from an animal rights group regarding the treatment of macaques used in brain research. One macaque, named Kenny, reportedly scratched at his protruding brain implant for over a day until it bled, eventually pulling the implant from his right ear and revealing an oozing wound.
Kenny is among at least nine research macaques housed at York, Canada's fourth-largest university, as part of biomedical research into brain systems controlling vision and eye, head, and hand movements. The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) has launched a formal inquiry into their treatment.
Video Evidence and Health Records
Video recorded between September 2024 and March 2025 by a whistleblower working with Last Chance for Animals (LCA) shows macaques with metal head posts protruding from their skulls, protected by acrylic caps. Some animals are seen pacing, swaying, scratching at implants, and struggling to swallow in tight collar restraints.
York University confirmed that the macaques in the footage are in their care and currently healthy. However, health records allegedly photographed at the lab from 2009 to 2025 cite numerous health issues, including injuries from repeated escapes and infections around head and eye implants.
Infections and Escapes Documented
Between 2015 and 2023, five separate infections of head implants were recorded, some involving bleeding. From 2010 to 2023, the records note 15 escape incidents, some resulting in injuries. The Investigative Journalism Bureau (IJB) could not independently verify these records.
LCA filed a formal complaint with the CCAC, prompting the current inquiry. One macaque's record details at least seven instances where a surgical eye implant broke or protruded between 2012 and 2015.
Expert Concerns Over Animal Welfare
John Gluck, a psychology professor emeritus at the University of New Mexico with experience in macaque research, reviewed the materials. He noted evidence of “inferior environmental stimulation, excessive water deprivation, and psychological distress.” Gluck stated that the monkeys show “all the relevant indicators of mistreatment,” which likely undermines the scientific value of the behavioral studies.
