Licence conditions for primate keepers (Schedule 1)

Local authorities must take this guidance into account when performing their functions under the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024 (‘the Regulations’).

This guidance sets out the licence conditions that must be attached to a primate licence granted under the Regulations.

Paragraphs with a grey line down the left-hand side contain condition numbers, paragraph numbers and exact or simplified text from Schedule 1 to the Regulations.

The guidance should be read alongside the:

• Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations (2024)
• Licensing process for keeping primates

This guidance is primarily to help local authorities when:

• considering whether to grant or renew a primate licence
• carrying out an inspection of licensed premises
• considering compliance or taking enforcement action in relation to a failure by the licence holder to comply with a licence condition
• considering whether to bring criminal proceedings for an offence

This guidance is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it an authoritative statement of the law. Local authorities may therefore need to seek their own advice if they are unsure whether a licence condition will be, or is being, met.

Any person seeking to apply for a primate licence may also use this guidance alongside the licensing process guidance to understand how to obtain a primate licence and comply with the conditions. Expert advice should be sought in addition to the information provided.

ThereSpecific information is alsoprovided specificfor informationcallitrichids ondue callitrichidsto (Annextheir A).increased likelihood of being kept in captivity in the UK and their often unique and specialist welfare needs. Where these differ from the general Schedule 1 guidance this is clearly outlined in the relevant section.

Callitrichids include the following genera:

• Cebuella (for example, pygmy marmoset)
• Callithrix and Mico (for example, common marmoset and most other marmosets)
• Callimico (for example, Goeldi’s monkey)
• Leontopithecus (for example, lion tamarins)
• Saguinus, Oedipomidas, Leontocebus and Tamarinus (for example, cotton-top tamarin and most other tamarins)

This list is not exhaustive as taxonomy is constantly evolving. Where a callitrichid species is allocated to a new or historical genus not listed above, then it is still considered to fall under this guidance.

Overview of licence conditions

Primates are wild, undomesticated animals. They are long-lived, intelligent, socially-complex, and have complex health and welfare needs, which vary according to species. They are not suitable to be kept as pets in a domestic setting and require specialist care. Schedule 1 to the Regulations defines the health and welfare standards that private primate keepers must meet.

Local authorities must:

• attach a copy of the licence conditions to any primate licence they grant
• not grant or renew a licence unless they are satisfied that the licence conditions are likely to be met
• arrange to inspect an applicant’s premises before making a decision to grant a licence

The function of the inspection is to assess whether the licence conditions are likely to be met by the applicant. However, it will not be possible to assess the applicant’s likely compliance with all of the licence conditions just by visually assessing the premises where the primates are, or are to be, kept. Local authorities should therefore have in place a process to enable them to assess applicants’ understanding of:

• the licence conditions and what they require
• the welfare needs of the primates being or to be kept

If an applicant cannot demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the primates’ welfare needs or how the licence conditions will be met, local authorities should advise the applicant on any additional information or steps that may be required before proceeding further with the application.

Roles and responsibilities

The licence holder has overall responsibility for the care and management of the primates and for making sure that the licence conditions are met. However, the licence holder can appoint other people to provide the level of care and management required.

The number of people needed to provide day-to-day care and management of the primates will depend on the number of primates and the needs of those primates.

The local authority and the suitable person inspecting the premises for the local authority must consider the:

• number of primates being, or to be kept, at the premises
• level of care and management required for those primates
• ability of the people who are, or will be providing this care and management to do so

The arrangements the licence holder will have in place must take account of sickness and other absences of those responsible for caring and managing the primates.

The local authority should obtain details of the proposed arrangements from the applicant so that it can properly assess the arrangements as part of its consideration of the application.

The record keeping requirements associated with this Condition are in the Records section of this guidance, under Condition 6(1)(b)(i) and (c).

Microchipping

Licence holders must ensure each primate is microchipped with a compliant microchip, and it is advised that keepers register the primate on one (and only one) of these compliant databases:

• AnimalData
• Animal Microchips
• Animal Tracker
• ChipHERO
• Chipworks
• DKC
• HomeAgain
• Identibase
• Lost Paws
• MicroChip Central
• MicroDogID (racing greyhounds only)
• My Animal Trace
• MyPet
• National Veterinary Data Service
• Pet Database
• Pet Identity UK
• Petlog
• PetScanner
• ProtectedPet
• SmartTrace
• Track Your Paws
• UK PETtrac MicroChip Database
• We Trace Pets

The above is not an exhaustive list and is subject to change.

All microchips must be fitted by a trained professional and licence holders must consult their veterinarian to arrange microchipping for any of their primates that are not already microchipped or whose microchip fails to read.

For example, a primate born on the licence holder’s premises on 1 July 2028 must be microchipped before 1 July 2030 at the very latest. It is best practice to microchip the primate as soon as possible for traceability, but a veterinarian may advise waiting longer in certain cases.

The record keeping requirements associated with this Condition are in the Records section of this guidance, under Condition 6(1)(a)(iii).

Records

Condition 6 sets out the minimum records that licence holders must keep. Licence holders must keep these records up to date and make them available for inspection.

Local authorities should have a process in place to assess how an applicant will meet these requirements.

The species details can be either the full scientific name or Latin to prevent confusion.

The licence holder must also keep and make available for inspection at any time all records and written procedures.

Local authorities may also request evidence of records and written procedures as part of their application review.

The lists below are not exhaustive lists.

Records must be kept under:

• condition 6 (1) - individual records of each primate and individuals providing care (including the veterinarian and emergency contact)
• condition 20 - diet plan alongside relevant advice or guidance as well as review and update dates
• condition 22 (e)(i) - any signs of pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour
• condition 22 (e)(ii) - monthly weight and the date it was taken
• condition 22 (e)(iii) - dates of veterinary examinations and treatments and the purposes of those examinations and treatments
• condition 22- (e)(iv) - where a primate must be quarantined or isolated to protect its own welfare, the reason for the quarantine or isolation and the length of time
• condition 37 (b) any inappropriate or abnormal behaviour exhibited by a primate

Written procedures and plans must be kept under:

• Condition 7 - emergencies
• Condition 10 (a) to (c) - special circumstances, including:

(a) temporary isolation of a primate

(b) death or escape of a primate

(c) care of the primate following revocation of the licence or death of the licence holder

• Condition 22 - physical health, including records:

(a) and (d) - daily monitoring for pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour

(b) weighing

(c) disease control

• Condition 31 - written hygiene protocol
• Conditions 43 and 44 - transportation of any primates
• Condition 45 - breeding health and management plan that is provided by the veterinarian

This represents the minimum period for keeping records. Electronic records should be backed up.

Emergencies

As part of the consideration of an application for a primate licence, the local authority should ensure that the applicant provides the proposed emergency plan to allow the local authority to consider its suitability.

Primates must remain in their enclosures on the licensed premises at all times unless they are removed for a permitted reason. The purpose of Conditions 7 and 8 is to ensure that the licence holder has a plan in place to remove the primates if the licensed premises become unsafe or uninhabitable.

The plan must contain procedures for:

• evacuation of the primates and people
• protecting the primates and people during an emergency
• caring for the primates during and after an emergency including details of where they will be housed temporarily and how they will be cared for

The plan should include transport arrangements and any dietary or other requirements that are critical for the welfare of the primate.

Emergency plans must be available for the local authority to inspect.

Written procedures for special circumstances

The procedures must also reflect ConditionsCondition 9 and Condition 11. The written procedure covering the death of a primate should include notifying the local authority of the death and the plan of safe disposal.

Nutrition and feeding

The overall aim of Conditions 12 to 20 is to ensure that primates:

• are fed a balanced diet tailored to their individual needs (such as their size, condition and health)
• are given enough opportunities to forage and exhibit social feeding behaviours
• are given food and water that is safe to consume

The local authority should assess whether the plans comply with Condition 12, Condition 13, Condition 18 and Condition 19 and the applicant holder has used appropriate expert advice and guidance to prepare those plans.

A suitable diet will need to include an appropriate balance of:

• fresh produce
• commercially prepared food
• fresh edible plant material in a suitable natural form
• neutral detergent fiberfibre suitable to each primate or species

A number of primate species are predominantly gumnivorous, that is those with specialised adaptations for gouging and digesting tree gum. For such species, gum must form an appropriate proportion of their diet, and these are easily available commercially (for example, gum arabic or gum acacia). For enrichment purposes, gum should be presented in a way that encourages natural gouging behaviour (for example, embedded in bark or a textured surface) at least twice a day.

Predominantly gumnivorous primate species include the callitrichids Cebeulla (pygmy marmosets), Mico (for example, silvery marmosets), Callithrix (for example, common marmoset and Geoffroy’s marmoset), as well as non-callitrichids such as Phaner (for example, fork-marked lemurs), and Euoticus (for example, needle-clawed galago). Several other primate species are considered gumnivores and licence holders are advised to review such specialist requirements with their dietary advisors.

Presenting food in an appropriate way, at appropriate intervals and in suitable positions includes presenting food in ways and in places that encourage:

• natural feeding postures – for example, hanging
• natural feeding behaviours – for example, foraging or gum gouging in marmosets and whether the species is diurnal or nocturnal

See also ConditionsCondition 34, Condition 35 and Condition 37 on behaviour.

Fresh drinking water should be easily accessible in both the indoor and outdoor areas of an enclosure. It must be provided in a way that prevents negative interactions, such as resource guarding. The receptacles must protect drinking water from contamination and soiling.

The routines for cleaning receptacles should minimise disruption to the primates and take into consideration the primates’ species-specific behaviour.

Detergents, disinfectants and cleaning methods should not pose a risk to primates’ health.

Any food given to the primates must be protected against dampness, deterioration and mould, and from any contamination including insects, birds and vermin.rodents. It must also be within its expiration date, where shown.

All aspects of the diet plan must be based on advice from one of the below:

• an animal nutritionist with relevant experience
• a recognised national or international primatology group representative with relevant skills and competence
• an employee or representative of zoo licensed premises with relevant skills and experience in keeping primates
• a suitably qualified veterinarian

The record of the advice or guidance used to prepare a diet plan should include the name, qualifications and contact details of the person providing such advice or guidance.

The following primate changes may require earlier review of diet plans:

• life stage
• body size and condition
• physical health
• pregnancy
• new primate introductions

Primates may require supplementation to meet their nutritional needs, such as:

• vitamin C supplements
• vitamin D3 supplements if UV lighting is not fitted

Any supplements and changes must be included in the primate’s diet plan and should be sourced from specialist suppliers.

ThereCallitrichids isin specificcaptivity must have additional dietary advicevitamin forD3 callitrichidsand/or should have species-appropriate UV lighting (see also Condition 29 on the environmental quality of enclosures.).

Physical health

Conditions 21 to 23 specify the steps that must be taken, as a minimum, to ensure the primates’ health is appropriately monitored and that their health needs are met.

The licence holder must formally appoint a named veterinarian to carry out the responsibilities set out in the condition. The licence holder should agree with their veterinarian the frequency of routine visits. As a minimum, routine visits should be carried out quarterly. The licence holder should also obtain the veterinarian’s advice to prepare or update the written procedures required by Condition 22.

The licence holder must:

• ensure all medical treatment is prescribed and overseen by a veterinarian
• follow the veterinarian’s instructions when administering medical treatment to a primate
• inform the named veterinarian of any medication prescribed or administered by other veterinarians

Conditions 22(a), (d), (e)(i) and (f)

These conditions relate to routine monitoring by those responsible for the daily care and management of the primates kept under a primate licence. The local authority should assess the proposed written procedures for ensuring compliance with ConditionConditions 22(a) and (d), including:

• the steps for identifying the cause or possible cause of signs of pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour which have been identified through routine monitoring
• the appropriate treatment and care, including monitoring the effects of any treatment
• when to seek advice or assistance from the named veterinarian

All signs of pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour that are identified through the monitoring carried out under Condition 22(a) must be recorded (Condition 22(e), (i)).

Conditions 22(b), (d), (e)(ii) and (f)

Regularly monitoring body weight is essential for identifying poor health (whether through nutritional problems or otherwise). As a minimum, the primates must be weighed monthly and their monthly weight recorded with the dates onwhen which the weight was taken.

The written procedures should include the normal body parameters for each primate, by reference to life stage and reproductive status. These should be obtained from the named veterinarian or other expert source. The procedures should also contain instructions on seeking advice from the named veterinarian (for example, in the case of sudden weight changes).

The weighing process should not require restraint: it should rely on positive reinforcement training (that is rewarding).

Conditions 22(c), (d), (e)(i) and (f)

Reasonable precautions to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases, pathogens and parasites amongst the primates and people include:

• consulting the named veterinarian about disease risk transmission from humans to primates, primates to humans and between primates for the species involved - the written procedures should include information on disease transmission risk, how to identify infection and how to reduce these risks
• consulting the named veterinarian on good biosecurity and detailing biosecurity measures in the written procedures - this should include the cleaning and disinfection protocols required by reference to Condition 30)
• consulting the named veterinarian about vaccinations and parasite control – and including details of vaccinations and parasite control in procedures
• documenting steps taken to investigate any disease outbreaks

Records

Condition 22(e) also requires the licence holder to ensure that records are kept on the following:

• signs of pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour
• primatesprimates’ monthly weight and date ofwhen which the weight was taken
• veterinary examinations, including the date and purpose
• veterinary treatments, including the date and purpose – for example, vaccines, parasite control, disease surveillance and/or contraception
• quarantine and isolation records, including length of quarantine or isolation

Licence holders may need to quarantine or isolate primates to protect the primate’s health or welfare. Examples of such instances could include:

• to avoid the spread of infectious diseases
• to protect the primate from other primates
• while the primate recovers from injury or illness

Written procedures

The local authority should review the applicants’ proposed written procedures to assess whether they appropriately cover the requirements in Conditions 22 (a) to (d).

Euthanasia

Euthanasia must only be authorised and performed by ana Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) registered veterinarian.

Environment

Conditions 24 to 32 contain specific requirements to ensure that licensed primates are housed in suitable accommodation which meets their welfare needs. The conditions include requirements for the design of the accommodation, their furnishings, environmental enrichment and environmental conditions (including maintaining a hygienic environment).

The Conditions require that the primates’accommodation individualmeets the welfare needs of both the species and theirthe species’individual needsprimate, toespecially bewhere met.this may differ, for example with aged or disabled animals, breeding groups, or other factors.

Primates require specialised accommodation that meets their welfare needs. Condition 24 requires a licence holder to ensure that the primates remain in a compliant enclosure on the licensed premises at all times unless one of the reasons listed above applies.

Licence holders should get advice from appropriate experts when designing theor modifying an enclosure to make sure it will meet the needs of all the primates and comply with the licence conditions.

Advice can be sought from a:

• recognised national or international primatology group representative
• an employee or representative of zoo licensed premises with relevant skills and experience in keeping primates
• a veterinarian experienced in treating the relevant species of primate

Primates require specialised accommodation that meets their welfare needs. Condition 24 requires a licence holder to ensure that the primates remain in a compliant enclosure on the licensed premises at all times unless one of the reasons listed above applies.

The transportation of a primate must comply with Conditions 42 to 2244 (see ‘Transporting primates’) and any other legislation that applies. You can find more information on Transporting animals in Great Britain.

Exhibition activities involving a primate may also require a licence under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

The overall aim of Condition 25 is to ensure that:

• each enclosure provides the primates with enough space to express their physical, psychological and social behavioural needs
• the location of the enclosure minimises stress to the primates from noise and passers-by

Enclosures must be made of suitable and robust materials which are safe and accommodate the primates’ behaviours.

An area of a house inhabited by people is not a suitable indoor enclosure.

The indoor and outdoor areas must be connected to each other.

Both areas must be suitable to meet the primates’ welfare needs and provide an environment for use all year-round. If primates are prevented for a period of time from entering their indoor accommodation for reasons of maintenance or repair, such periods of time must be reasonable. Appropriate arrangements must be in place to ensure that the welfare needs of all primates are met during such periods.

Size of the enclosure

Licence holders must keep primates in enclosures that are big enough to meet their physical, psychological and behavioural needs. The size requirements will be different for each species. Indoor and outdoor enclosures should be of a suitable size and include sufficient vertical space appropriate to the size and social needs of the species.

Indoor

Enclosure enclosurescomponent (Conditiondefinitions

The 25(b)(i))primate environment consists of a number of primary elements.

“Outdoor enclosure”

WhenThe consideringarea whetherwith theoutside spatialaccess, dimensionstypically roofed, but for some, especially larger primates, this may be open and consist of anescape-proof indoorvertical orbarriers. outdoorThis enclosureis aretypically suitable,the onlylarger areasof thatthe canenclosures, beexcept usedfor bynocturnal primatesspecies shouldwhere bethe takensize intoratios accountare andreversed informedor, bywhere an outdoor enclosure may not be appropriate for the primate’s bodywelfare. There are specific size andrecommendations needs.for outdoor enclosures, which increases in proportion to the number of primates housed.

“Indoor enclosure”

AAn primate’sindoor bodyarea, lengthtypically iswith measuredan fromartificially crowncontrolled toenvironment, rumpthat inprovides centimetresfor andthe mustwelfare beneeds basedduring onadverse weather conditions or simply daily variation where outside conditions are not considered suitable for the maximumspecies. The indoor area is additional to the outdoor enclosure. Its minimum size should be calculated as a set ratio of the primatesrecommended beingoutside kept.area.

“Total enclosure area”

AThe suitablearea indoorof the outdoor enclosure mightplus be:the indoor enclosure.

• 50%

  “Maximum orbody morelength”

  The crown-rump length (CRL) of the overallprimate, enclosure’smeasured requiredin size

• 20%metres. orTo moreensure consistency, this is taken as the distance from the point of the overallnose enclosure’sto requiredthe size,rump with(tail additionalbase). usableThis verticalis spacereported ofas at‘body-length’ leastin 4most metersstandard plusreferences. twiceWhere the species exhibits sexual dimorphism, the body length of the species
• indoorlarger materialof shouldthe allow2 cleaningsexes is to be carriedused, outwhether tothat preventsex is currently held at the build-uptime of disease

licensing or not.

“Usable height”

The height that the primate can access and use within the enclosure. At least 80% of a roofed enclosure should meet the usable height requirement for the species.

Outdoor enclosures (Condition 25(b)(i))

ExamplesOutdoor ofenclosures suitableshould meet the following minimum spatial dimensionsdimensions. ofNote outdoorthere enclosuresis arespecific asguidance follows.on enclosure sizes for callitrichids.

Suitable outdoor enclosures for 32 orto fewer3 primates (except callitrichids) should have:

• a usable width at least 10 times the species’ maximum body length or 3 metres (whichever is the biggest)
• a usable length at least 15 times the primate’s maximum body length or 4.5 metres (whichever is the biggest)
• if roofed, a usable height of at least 2.4 metres plus twice the species’ maximum body length (the height of the enclosure is measured from the highest climbable surface, which can be the tallest part of the climbing structure or the roof itself if it’sit is climbable).

For more than 3 primates, except callitrichids, at least 50 times the species’ maximum body length squared should be added to the floor area for each additional animal. You should consult with an appropriate expert when determining the suitable size of the enclosure.

ThereFor isnocturnal specificprimates guidancekept indoors on enclosuresa forreverse callitrichids.light cycle (such as tarsiers, galagos, night monkeys and lorises), an outdoor enclosure may not be appropriate if it conflicts with that species’ other welfare needs. For example, if it exposes the animals to predators or unsuitable overnight temperatures.

YouWhere shouldan consultoutdoor withenclosure is not provided, the licence holder’s veterinarian must provide written documentation justifying why one would be detrimental to the welfare of the species. This must be to the satisfaction of the licensing authority.

Example: minimum recommended outdoor enclosure dimensions for ring-tailed lemurs

Parameter	Formula	Calculated measurement
Maximum body length (CRL)	45cm	0.45m
Outdoor enclosure width	10 x CRL	4.5m (exceeds minimum 3m)
Outdoor enclosure length	15 x CRL	6.75m (exceeds minimum 4m)
Height of roof	2.4m + (2 x CRL)	3.3m
Total outdoor enclosure area	4.5 x 6.75	30.4m2
Additional space per lemur	50 x (CRL)2	10.1m2 per additional lemur

Indoor enclosures (Condition 25(b)(i))

When considering whether the spatial dimensions of an appropriateindoor expertor whenoutdoor determiningenclosure are suitable, only areas that can be used by primates should be taken into account and informed by the suitableprimate’s body size and needs.

Indoor enclosures should:

• have a usable area which is at least 20% of the enclosure.recommended Seeoverall paragraphsminimum 50outdoor enclosure’s area (determined by the total number of primates held in the enclosure)
• have a usable height of at least 2.4 metres plus twice the body length of the species (the same as the outdoor enclosure height)
• be made from construction materials that facilitate cleaning to 87ensure hygiene and prevent the build-up of disease

If a licence holder has built an outdoor enclosure that exceeds the primateminimum standardsstandards, forthe privatelyindoor keptarea must be a minimum of 20% of the minimum recommended size of the outdoor enclosure, not 20% of the outdoor enclosure actually provided by the licence holder.

For nocturnal primates inkept Englandindoors on a reverse light cycle (such as tarsiers, galagos, night monkeys and lorises), apply the outdoor enclosure size calculations forto determine the recommended formulaindoor enclosure size.

Example: minimum recommended indoor enclosure dimensions for calculating2 theto suitable3 ring-tailed lemurs

Parameter	Formula	Calculated measurement
20% of outdoor enclosure area	0.2 x outdoor enclosure area	6m2
Additional space per lemur	0.2 x [50 x (CRL)2]	2m2 per additional lemur
Height of roof	2.4m + (2 x CRL)	3.3m

Callitrichid enclosures

Due to their small size and natural history, callitrichids have their own specific enclosure dimensions. Suitable minimum spatial dimensions of outdoor enclosures for a pair of callitrichids and their offspring (or fewer) are:

• the enclosure.usable width should be at least 2.5 metres
• the usable length should be at least 4 metres
• the usable height should be at least 2.5 metres

The floor area in the outdoor enclosure should be increased by at least 5 square metres for every additional pair of callitrichids added. 

Indoor enclosures for callitrichids should have a:

• usable area of at least 30% of the overall minimum outdoor enclosure’s area (as determined by the total number of primates held in the enclosure)
• usable height of at least 2.5 metres (the same as the outdoor enclosure height)

It is expected that when offspring become sexually mature, the enclosure should be increased in size proportionally, or the sub-adult primates be moved to a separate enclosure (see Conditions 45 to 48).

Materials that are suitable to use in the construction of the enclosure (Condition 25(b)(v))

Suitable materials for use in the construction of the outdoor enclosure include:

• secure mesh incorporated into the roof (for leaping primates) or other roof material that provides an additional safe climbing surface
• strong and rigid fencing that the primates cannot dig under and is robust enough to prevent the primates from escaping
• non-toxic material that is free from and resistant to rot

The enclosure should be inspected regularly and repaired (including replacing materials) where necessary to ensure it remains in a suitable condition.condition and prevents the escape of the primates held.

Floor of the enclosure (Condition 25(b)(iii))

Indoor and outdoor enclosures must have a suitable substrate. This means a solid floor and not net or mesh flooring. It must incorporate appropriate drainage to avoid excessive water build-up and, in the case of indoor areas, must be easy to clean and disinfect.

Floors must be covered with an organic and non-toxic material, for example wood chips or leaf litter. The material must be suitable for encouraging nesting behaviours (if applicable) and for foraging (Condition 27(b)). The material selected should also take account of other relevant licence conditions, including:

• Condition 26(a) – provision of a clean and comfortable environment to the occupants in the enclosure
• Condition 26(b) – minimising risks of injury and harm to the occupants, including by falling
• ConditionConditions 2929(a) and (c) – maintaining the temperature and humidity of the enclosure

Condition 26(c)

The enclosure must be designed and maintained to prevent primates from escaping. All enclosures should have double doors to prevent escapes and these doors should be securely locked. Automatic closers are recommended for the double doors. All locking systems should be designed and maintained to prevent animals from unfastening the securing devices. Windows should be similarly secure.

Access to the primate enclosure should be through a double door system that ensures only one door can be opened at a time. The doors should be securely locked when not in use.

Double door systems when installed should not reduce the minimum size of the usable space available to the primates in the outdoor or indoor enclosures.

See also Condition 25(b)(v) for more information on suitable materials.

Condition 26(d)

Only legal methods to prevent other animals from entering the enclosure may be used. Wherever possible, they should be ethical, for example, rodentrodent-proof proof mesh to cover pipes and vents.

Condition 26(e)

VisualThe barriersenclosure must be designed and maintained to provide opportunitiesits foroccupants thewith primatesopportunities to hide and have privacy should be provided in the enclosure.privacy.

Condition 26(g)

The enclosure must be designed so that primates cannot be trapped or cornered.

Conditions 26(f) and 26(h)(h)

Primates may need to be relocated temporarily to the indoor or outdoor area (for example, to allow the other area to be cleaned or maintained, or to separate a primate that is exhibiting abnormal behaviour or needs to be examined by a veterinarian). These licence conditions seek to ensure that the primates in an enclosure can be moved between the indoor and outdoor areas without the need for someone to enter the enclosure.

Condition 26(i)

The enclosure must allow for a primate to be temporarily separated from the rest of the group.

This could be achieved, for example, through either:

• an area of the enclosure that can be sectioned off while ensuring that the minimum dimensions for the rest of the primate group are maintained
• using a different enclosure on the premises that is suitable to house the primate temporarily

Temporary isolation of primates must meet the welfare needs of primates and not be located within an area of a house that’s inhabited by people.

Read more information about isolating primates.

Condition 27(a)

Indoor and outdoor areas should each have at least 2 climbing and hanging structures which are suitable for its occupants.

These structures should:

• have a height of at least 2.4 metres plus twice the species’ maximum body length
• have horizontal, vertical and diagonal supports
• have both rigid and flexible materials – for example, beams and ropes
• provide incentives for the primates to use all available vertical space – for example, resting places, enrichment devices and viewpoints
• allow natural locomotory behaviour such as branch running, jumping, vertical clinging and leaping

Either natural branches or human-made structures can be used as climbing or hanging structures if they are safe and robust. Climbing and hanging structures must allow primates to perform natural behaviorsbehaviours for their species. For example, semi-terrestrial species must have access to both climbing structures and the ground.

Primates must be able to access all necessary parts of the enclosure using the climbing structure. This includes older and smaller primates.

The hanging and climbing structures in an enclosure must provide enough variety and complexity. They must be changed and reorganised regularly to provide the primates with a dynamic environment.

ThereCallitrichids isshould specifichave guidanceclimbing onstructures, callitrichidplatforms climbingand structures.perches that are high enough for the animals to stay above anyone entering the enclosure. They should also connect to the floor, providing an opportunity for easy retreat to height.

Condition 27(b)

Resting sites and platforms must be safe, and meet the welfare needs of the primates, and encourage natural behaviours. For example, large branches can be used to provide suitable resting sites and platforms. They must therefore be varied in height and allow the primates to:

• rest (including sleep)
• groom
• sunbathe
• feed

The way primates sleep differs between species. Sites for sleeping must be appropriate to the species of primate and be sufficient for all of the primates in the enclosure. Some species need a nest box and nesting material, others might need a shelf to sleep on as a group, and others might separate into smaller groups.

The equipment must meet the needs of the species and encourage natural behaviour. It may include:

• bedding material
• nest boxes
• nest-building resources
• platforms
• resting sites – there is specific guidance on callitrichid rest platforms

At least one resting site or platform must be big enough to allow all of the primates to be together at the same time. All rest platforms must be able to drain liquids, including water and rain.

Nest boxes

ThereFor species that use nest boxes, there should be at least one nest box for each group in the indoor enclosure.

Extra nest boxes are beneficial for primates because they:

• can support natural behaviour
• provide alternative nestrest sites if one nest box is being guarded by a dominant group member

ThereCallitrichids ismust specifichave guidanceat onleast callitrichidone nest box for each affiliated group held in an enclosure. Best practice is to provide extra nest boxes. to account for the natural variation of nest sites in the wild.

Condition 27(c)

There must be enough safe shelteredshelter cover in the outdoor areaenclosure to provideensure sufficient shelter for all primates fromheld weatherin (suchan asenclosure windcan andshelter rain) at the same time. Shelters must provide cover from weather (such as wind, rain and sun).

Shelters should have multiple entrances and exits. This ensures a primate cannot be trapped or cornered by other primates (see Condition 26(g)).

Plants (Condition 27(d))

Suitable natural planting must be available in outdoor areas to provide:

• natural foraging opportunities, for example for insects
• privacy
• shade

They can also provide opportunities to express normal behaviours more generally through play.

Plants should not be toxic or harmful to the primates.

Environmental Conditions

Licence holders must:

• document the expected environmental reference ranges for each parameter applicable to the primate species held
• have a process of monitoring and recording the relevant environmental parameters
• have a written process describing the actions needed to return monitored parameters to required values when they fall outside the expected reference ranges – any such actions must be recorded in the animal’s record

Temperature

Conditions 28 and 29(a) require the temperature levels in the indoor area of the enclosure to be maintained at an acceptable range for the primates. This will require the temperature levels in the indoor area to be monitored and a warningprocess systemto forbe implemented when the temperature falls outside the acceptable range.

To ensure that the temperature range is acceptable, an applicant may need to get advice from aan veterinarianappropriate or other primate experts.expert.

The individual needs of all primates (as itthey variesvary with age, health status, and so on) must be considered when setting the acceptable range.

A licence holder should have access to back-up climate control systems or powerequally sourceseffective measures, which can be engagedimplemented quickly.quickly if the primary provision fails.

HeatingFor andcallitrichids coolingthe shouldtemperature be in useindoor intermittentlyenclosures tomust discouragebe excessivemaintained sedentaryabove behaviour.

Therea isminimum specificof guidance18˚C. onWhen the outside temperature ofexceeds callitrichid32˚C, enclosures.callitrichids must have access to cooled areas. These can be in the indoor or outdoor enclosure.

Ventilation

Enclosures must have suitable ventilation. Enclosures should also have windows.

Indoor areas can use:

• natural extractor systems, such as doors and hatches
• purpose-built extractor system

Humidity

The humidity of indoor areas shouldmust be betweensuitable 50%for andthe 70%.primate species held.

Lighting

Lighting provision should include consideration of the primate species’ specific needs, including photoperiod (duration), light intensity (brightness), spectral quality (wavelength and colour), and minimising artificial light at night (balanced against operational needs and safety).

Lighting cycles should mimic a full 24-hour light period that the species would normally encounter in the wild.wild, however consideration of physiological adaptation to English daylight hours can be appropriate. The lighting system should automatically adjust light levels in the indoor area ifto itreflect isthe toonatural brightphotoperiod or too dark for long.the species.

AnyWhere artificial ultraviolet (UV) lighting should:is used, it should be:

• beused 40cmin awayline fromwith the baskingmanufacturer’s arearecommendations
• installed in such a waylocation that preventsensures safe, effective and physiologically meaningful provision of UV light to the primates in the indoor enclosure, which can be achieved by concentrating it on areas by sought-after resources (such as heaters or food stations), or through whole-enclosure provision of UV light – licence holders should obtain recommendations from havingappropriate directexperts contactand record these in the animal’s records
• haveinstalled ato maximumprevent tampering or damage to the UV indexlight levelsources setbeing toused
• monitored meetand recorded at least on a monthly basis, with UV output measured at the primates’expected needslocation of the primate – levelstypically shouldthis beis checkedundertaken everyusing montha solarmeter measuring the UV Index (UVI), but other systems are available

Nocturnal species

The environmental quality for nocturnal species should:

• accommodate their activity patterns
• not involve the use of blue lights and filters

Noise

The level of background noise should be kept low and if it is absolutely necessary for the noise to exceed 65 dBA it should only be for short periods.

Auditory enrichment should only be used under supervision/advice from a qualified primate welfare and behaviour professional.

Cleanliness

A good standard of hygiene is important to reduce the spread of disease and the risk of ill health.

The cleaning and disinfecting routine should balance the need to maintain an appropriate state of cleanliness andwith the primates’ natural behaviours.behaviours, including environmental scent marking where appropriate.

It must minimise distress, suffering orand discomfort to the primates. Unless it is necessary for disease control to clean the whole enclosure at the same time, the enclosure should be cleaned incrementally over an appropriate period of time.

The disinfectants used must be:

• effective against pathogens likely to be present
• effective against pathogens of concern to the species held
• safe for primates when used at effective concentrations as recommended by the manufacturer

The hygiene protocol should, as a minimum, include:

• a cycle for cleaning and disinfecting the enclosure to ensure an appropriate state of cleanliness while complying with Condition 30
• instructions on maintaining drains and ensuring that fluids run directly into them
• instructions on using footbaths containing Defra-approved disinfectant before entering and after exiting the enclosure
• the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent zoonotic disease transmission both to and from primates (for example, gloves and masks)
• instructions for avoiding direct contact with primates and their contaminated fluids, for example saliva, food, water, urine and faeces
• instructions on not eating, drinking, vaping or smoking in or near the enclosure

Only those named in the records (see Condition 6.1(b)) as the people responsible for the overall care and management of the primates, veterinarians, and those required for essential enclosure maintenance must ever be allowed to enter the enclosure. Licence holders must haveensure thisthe mustlist beis available for inspection.

Local authorities may also request evidence of this as part of its consideration of an application.

Both areas must be suitable to meet the primates’ physical, psychological and behavioural needs and provide an environment for use all year-round.

An exception can sometimes be made for nocturnal primates: an outdoor enclosure may not be appropriate if it conflicts with that species’ other welfare needs. See ‘Outdoor enclosures’ for details.

Behaviour

Conditions 33 to 38 outline steps to enable primates to maintain normal behaviours (that is, behaviours expected of physically and psychologically healthy primates).

Conditions 33 and 36

These licence conditions are intended to ensure that primates are housed in stable groups of sufficient size and composition to allow normal behaviours, including social affiliative behaviours. The local authority should assess through the application process how the primates will be housed to meet this condition and the applicant’s understanding of appropriate grouping of the primates.

Mixed species may only be kept in the same enclosure if the licence holder has obtained advice from an appropriate expert. An ‘appropriate expert’ would include:

• a veterinarian
• other suitably qualified primate expert

The local authority should ask to see this advice if an applicant is proposing to keep mixed species in the same enclosure.

Conditions 34, 35 and 37

These licence conditions require a licence holderholder, or those with responsibleresponsibility for caring and managing the primates to be familiar with:

• the full normal behavioural repertoire of the species and the individual primates – this includes facial expressions, vocalisations and postures
• signs of abnormal behaviour of that species

Qualitative as well as quantitative aspects of behaviour need to be considered, as well as the context in which the behaviours are displayed.

The local authority should assess the applicant’s knowledge of the above as part of its consideration of an application. This may be done by requesting evidence of the applicant’s knowledge such as the applicant providing evidence of attendance at suitable courses or review of materials.

Condition 35 requires a licence holder to provide the primates with appropriate cognitive challenges to avoid boredom, which can lead to inappropriate or abnormal behaviour. Environment enrichment and enrichment devices must provide suitable social, physical, sensory and cognitively challenging stimuli. The enrichment devices should aim to meet the primates’ biological needs and challenge their intelligence. They should be varied and be changed from time to time to avoid over-familiarisation and boredom and be safe for the primates.

Handling and restraining primates

Conditions 39 to 41 include specific requirements in relation to primate handling and restraint.

Primates must only be handled or restrained by trained persons who are safe and competent to do so, in a manner that avoids unnecessary stress to the primate.

Primates should not be regularly handled or restrained, even by a trained person, as it can be detrimental to their health and wellbeing. Condition 39 therefore sets out the limited circumstances in which a primate may be handled. A primate must not be handled or restrained (even by a trained person) outside of these limited circumstances.

Primates should not be regularly handled or restrained as it can be detrimental to their health and wellbeing. Condition 39 therefore sets out the limited circumstances in which a primate may be handled. A primate may not otherwise be handled or restrained.

This licence condition also ensures that where a primate is allowed to be handled, the primate is handled by suitably experienced people and with appropriate care. Wherever possible, handling and restraint should be minimised by training primates using positive reinforcement techniques.

A licence holder will need to ensure that those handling primates (where this is permitted) are competent to handle or restrain primates and are careful to avoid harming them.

The licence holder should have appropriate procedures in place to ensure that a primate is handled or restrained for the shortest time possible.

For example, it is recommended that some species should never be manually restrained while conscious due to significant risk of harm.

Handlers should also consider the weather conditions when determining the time of day for capture and restraint, avoiding the hottest part of the day where possible.

Licence holders must not use sedation to capture primates unless it is deemed necessary and performed by a veterinarian.

Transporting primates

Conditions 42 to 44 set out specific requirements in relation to the transportation of a primate. They must be transported according to the regulations laid down in current legislation.

The primates must only be transported for one of the reasons given in paragraphs (a) to (c) of Condition 42.

Transport containers (Condition 43(a))

A licence holder must only transport primates in an appropriate crate or container. Primates must never be loose in a vehicle.

A container is appropriate if it:

• is strong enough to prevent primates from escaping or falling out
• protects primates from harm – for example, it does not have sharp edges or projections
• has a viewing window but affords security and privacy
• has anti-slip flooring with suitable, absorbent bedding
• is leak-proof
• is capable of maintaining air quality
• is capable of maintaining a specified temperature and humidity range suitable for the species
• allows access to the primates so they can be inspected and cared for
• provides enough floor area and height for primates – this must be appropriate to their size and the planned journey

An appropriate floor area and height must give primates enough space to:

• travel in a natural position
• turn around freely
• stand
• lie down
• hang or perch

Where a primate is being transported by air, the container will also need to meet the International Air Transport Association’s requirements.

Fitness for transportation (Condition 43 (c))

A licence holder will need to ensure that a veterinarian physically examines the primates to be transported to assess their fitness for transportation. The assessment must take place immediately before the primates are loaded onto the vehicle.

Monitoring the primate during the journey (Condition 43(d))

A licence holder must ensure that the veterinarian that has assessed the primate for fitness for transportation provides instructions for monitoring and (where applicable) treating the primate during the journey unless a veterinarian will be accompanying the primate throughout the journey.

The licence holder must have a written procedure to demonstrate how any primate kept under the holder’s licence can be transported in the way required by Condition 43.

In assessing the transport’s suitability under Condition 43, a licence holder should consider:

• the size of the vehicle
• the safety of the vehicle
• whether the mode of transport minimises the length of the journey
• the comfort of the vehicle, including climate control and internal space
• how containers will be secured within the vehicle
• how containers will be arranged if multiple containers are being transported together – for example, primate containers must not be stacked on top of each other
• whether the containers are leak proof and will be provided with suitable amounts of absorbent bedding

The licence holder must demonstrate that a suitable vehicle is available to transport the primate. It does not have to be owned by the licence holder.

Primates must not be left in vehicles for unreasonable periods. They must never be left unattended in a vehicle. Consideration must be given to whether it is necessary to transport when the temperature poses a risk.

Breeding

Conditions 45 to 48 relate to breeding and contraception. Breeding may only be carried out in the circumstances set out in Conditions 45 and 46.

Breeding health and management plan

When developing a breeding health and management plan, the named veterinarian should aim to ensure that:

• breeding individuals have appropriate genealogy, are not closely related and that breeding does not result in the hybridisation of species
• the breeding individuals are healthy and free from disease and hereditary health and welfare conditions
• there is an appropriate contingency plan for dealing with any offspring who are rejected or who are not developing at the minimum expected rate for that species
• the enclosure and social grouping in the enclosure can suitably accommodate the mother to give birth naturally and rear her offspring (for example by providing nesting materials and separate areas)
• breeding individuals are selected according to the likelihood they will successfully rear their offspring
• selected breeding individuals appear to be well adapted behaviourally (that is, minimal repetitive behaviours, no excessive aggression or self-injurious behaviours)
• breeding from individuals that have previously rejected their young does not occur except in exceptional circumstances (for example, where the rejection occurred due to health issues) – where exceptions are made, the plan should outline steps to reduce the likelihood of future infant rejections
• licence holders must not remove individuals from a group to meet space requirements when those individuals would benefit from experience of caring for offspring where planned breeding is occurring

ThereCallitrichids isregularly specificgive informationbirth onto marmosettwins and tamarinsometimes larger litters (with the exception of some species including Callimico goeldii and some Mico species, which typically give birth to single offspring). Maintaining potentially breeding females at appropriate weights at conception reduces the likelihood of large litters. Breeding health and management plans. should consider the possibility of large litters when assessing how much additional space the enclosure needs for the group to expand when the offspring become adults.

Callitrichid mothers will struggle to support more than 2 infants. Plans should therefore include suitable contingency plans for dealing with infants who are rejected or developing under the minimum expected rate. Hand-rearing is not an acceptable option except on serious health and welfare grounds under veterinary supervision.

Condition 47 requires fertile primates not intended for breeding and housed in potentially breeding groups to be given contraception. This must be carried out under the supervision and advice of the named veterinarian.

A licence holder must not separate a primate mother and her infant unless the named veterinarian has advised separation, and it is carried out in line with the veterinarian’s instructions.

The records kept under Condition 6.1(a) shouldmust also include records of still births.