NHP Retirement

The contract involves the proposal to retire three female baboons from the White Oak Animal Program, which were originally transferred to the FDA from the Southwest Primate Center in 2019 and 2020. These animals, now six years old and in good health, have participated in multiple FDA studies related to infectious diseases over several years. Despite efforts to rehome them at other facilities, these attempts were unsuccessful, leading to the decision to retire them. The baboons are housed together in a socially compatible trio, exhibiting excellent behavior and health. While the majority of non-human primates from this program are typically transferred for continued biomedical research—about 60 animals in 2023 alone—this group differs due to their age, size, and prior study involvement requiring sexual maturity. The contract reflects the agency’s commitment to responsible animal management and welfare, with an emphasis on the careful consideration of possible transfer or retirement options beyond research use. The Food and Drug Administration is overseeing this process, with contact points designated for acquisition and contracting matters.