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SNPRC houses more than 160 chimpanzees (Pan
troglodytes). The Center is one of only
five large research centers in the United States with
the specialized experience and facilities to care for
these great apes.
Chimpanzees have been used as models for infectious disease
research, and were critical to the development of vaccines
for Hepatitis A and B. Currently, their most extensive use
is in developing and testing vaccines and drugs for Hepatitis
C.
Most chimpanzees live in enclosures with an indoor heated
area, and an outdoor area with climbing structures. Some
also have regular access to a large, grass-covered playground.
Images of
the chimpanzees show their environments and common enrichment
items.
Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research initiated a
breeding colony of chimpanzees in 1970. Several years ago
we suspended the breeding program.
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