Each year tens of thousands of non-human primates are transported around the world for the international research industry, destined to be used in experiments in which they will suffer and most likely die.

The BUAV leads the campaign to end the international trade in primates for research. Many of our investigations have followed the chain of supply from the rainforests of Asia and lush undergrowth of Mauritius and the Caribbean to the bare metal cages of the research laboratory.

Airlines play an important role in this chain of misery as they are responsible for transporting primates to research facilities around the world. Monkeys are packed into small wooden crates, usually too small to allow them to stand up, and travel as cargo. They may also have to endure inadequate ventilation, noise and extreme temperature fluctuations; flights may be delayed en route at airports where food and water may not be available.

The trade in primates for research is a highly secretive business. Statistics for primate deaths and illnesses either during transportation or subsequently are not always available. However, the BUAV has uncovered examples of monkeys being found dead on arrival, often as a result of shock and stress due to the conditions on board.

Cargo Cruelty

The BUAV has gathered information from its investigations, research and correspondence with airlines to produce its list of Cargo Cruelty. This outlines airlines that DO or would transport primates destined for the research industry, those whose response is still outstanding, and many, who thanks to the BUAV's efforts, have taken action and refuse to transport primates.

More information

Download our Primates in Transit leaflet which is packed full of information about the international primate trade.

 Primates In Transit Leaflet »

How can I help?

Write to the airlines that do or would fly primates destined for the research industry. See the list below for their addresses and suggested text for your letter.

Suggested text for your letter »

Airlines that DO or would fly primates destined for the research industry

• Air Canada
  Radius Park, Feltham, Middlesex, TW14 0NJ
• Air China
  41 Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW1W
• Air France
  10 Warwick Street, London, W1B 5LZ
• American Airlines
  PO Box 619619, Dallas Fort Worth Airport, Texas 75261-9616, USA
• Amerijet International
  2800 S Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316, USA
• Caribbean Airlines
  Nicholas Towers, Independence Square, Port of Spain, Trinidad
• China Eastern Airlines
  London Office, 37-39 George Street, London, W1U 3QD
• China Southern Airlines
  Baiyun Intl Airport, Guangzho, Guangdong 510406, China
• Continental Airlines
  PO Box 4607, Houston, Texas 77210-4607, USA
• Japan Airlines International
  D'Albiac House, Cromer Road, Heathrow Airport, TW16 1NP
• Korean Air
  66-68 Piccadilly, London, W1J 0HJ
• Philippine Airlines
  PNB Financial Centre, Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Avenue,
  CCP Complex, Pasay City, Philippines