Today, monkeys at Oregon Health & Science University’s Oregon National Primate Research Center enjoyed a pumpkin feast. In what has become somewhat of an annual tradition, monkeys living at the center received locally grown pumpkins.

Each fall, members of the primate center’s animal care staff purchase or obtain donated pumpkins to give to the monkeys. The seasonal squash is considered a favorite treat by the animals, which also receive other fruits and vegetables year-round. About 100 pumpkins were provided to Rhesus Macaque monkeys and Japanese Macaque Monkeys.
High-resolution photos of the event can be downloaded here.
 

About ONPRC
The Oregon National Primate Research Center at OHSU is one of eight national primate centers funded by the National Institutes of Health. The centers serve as a location for health studies that require animal based research. At the Oregon center, main areas of research are the study of neurological disorders such as MS and Parkinson’s diseases, research into addressing fertility problems and preventing premature birth and infectious disease research focusing on diseases such as AIDS.  

Recent research advancements include:
-  Development of a promising new gene therapy method.
-  Significant advancements in fighting AIDS in its early stages and preventing disease transmission to infants.
-  New information that offers hope to children born in the midst of the current obesity epidemic.
-  A major advancement in stem cell treatments designated as the No. 1 science breakthrough by TIME Magazine in 2007.

ONPRC is a registered research institution, inspected regularly by the United States Department of Agriculture. It operates in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and has an assurance of regulatory compliance on file with the National Institutes of Health. The ONPRC also participates in the voluntary accreditation program overseen by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC).