Leaked recordings show a picture of horror. In the monkey laboratory of the Institute for Behavioral Biology of the University of Vienna, the test animals are said to suffer from serious health problems. There are reports of malnutrition, incest, undignified behavior and a cloak of silence.
The monkey sits trembling on the ground, his gaze apathetic. The short video is just a snapshot, but a two-hour conversation with informants reveals brutal conditions in the university’s cages.
Living research objects
The Behavioral Biology department keeps various mammals for experimental purposes. However, these are not invasive experiments (with physical interventions), as is common in medical research or the pharmaceutical industry, but purely behavioral research. For example, on the institute’s homepage you will find reports on research on the topic “beauty perception of animals using laughing pigeons”.
Visitor magnet in the zoo
Research is also being conducted with marmosets in Vienna’s third district. The cute primates are considered bright and playful – so many visitors to zoos such as Schönbrunn Zoo or Haus des Meeres are familiar with them. But according to reports, this is not the case in the Vienna research laboratory.
Cloak of silence
People who have been allowed to look behind the walls of the institute say that incestuous couples occur again and again, which of course can be accompanied by deformities. However, they would like to remain anonymous for fear of sanctions. “In fact, everyone knows about it, but no one dares to say or change anything about it,” say the discoverers.
Jawbone just dissolves
It was an open secret within the department that some animals were so severely malnourished that serious damage was found to their teeth and even their bones. The jawbone of a laboratory animal has partially disintegrated – a possible consequence of this!
Is everything species-appropriate?
According to the informants, housing also raises many questions. The cages are probably too small and the animals’ sensitive ears are affected by a very noisy ventilation system.
The “Krone” has submitted a corresponding request to the university and also to Science Minister Martin Polaschek. The fact that behavioral research on animals – which is even funded with taxpayers’ money – looks so scandalous needs to be urgently clarified.
The ministry responded with concern and referred to an inspection a year ago, but the allegations are now being investigated. The dean of the institute also came forward and confirmed the animals’ dental problems and cases of incest. All other points are unfounded and must now be clarified during a local inspection by the “Krone”.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
