Fate Of Hundreds Of Baboons In OU Research Program Uncertain

The fate of hundreds of baboons at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center research facility in El Reno remains uncertain after the school announced plans to wind down the program that used the animals.

In September, OU president David Boren said the program would come to an end in three to four years. The announcement came after animal rights groups raised concerns about findings of non-compliance with the Animal Welfare Act by USDA veterinarian medical officers inspecting the facility.

8/2/2015 Related Story: OU President Orders Review Of Baboon Breeding Program

The Norman Transcript reports it's likely the animals will continue to be sold for research for now.

The university says it is working with the National Institutes of Health to develop a plan for placement of the baboons, including the possibility of putting some of the animals in sanctuaries.