American Airlines Stops Flying Primates for Research Labs

By Jennifer Mishler, ecorazzi

American Airlines reports that they will no longer fly primates being sent to research labs!

The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) has stated that the airline changed its policy as a result of talks with them regarding the flying of primates for research, an issue that is the focus of their Cargo Cruelty campaign. “”We welcome the action taken by American Airlines to clarify its policy on this important issue. The shipment of monkeys for research is a subject that raises strong public concern,” said Michelle Thew, Chief Executive of BUAV. The organization points out that in research labs, “primates are often housed on their own in small, barren metal cages for many years with no meaningful environmental enrichment. With little opportunity for mental stimulation and physical exercise, these animals frequently develop abnormal and self-destructive behaviours that may include pacing, rocking, swaying, bar biting, and self-mutilation.”

The updated policy on the American Airlines website states that “AA Cargo will not accept primates used for laboratory research, experimentation, and exploitation purposes.” The policy also includes the requirement that the primates “are being shipped from or to a zoo sanctuary, preserve or rehabilitation center.”

PETA has also applauded American Airlines’ decision to stop flying primates for research and adds that they have joined a list that includes “British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Qantas, Delta Air Lines, Air China, Monarch Air Group, Amerijet, IBC Airways, and several other airlines in refusing to transport primates to facilities where they will be tormented and killed in experiments.”

BUAV provides a list of airlines that do and do not fly primates for research purposes, if you’d like to use it when making your next flight choice!