Halfway down a quiet, tree-lined road in Churchill sits a facility most locals don’t even know exists. Hidden behind closed gates, hundreds of monkeys are bred and used for research—out of sight, and largely out of mind, while unthinkable acts of cruelty are carried out on them routinely.
A stain in the region
Gippsland is known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and strong sense of community—an identity built on connection to the land and care for the living world. A primate testing facility in Churchill sits in stark contrast to that identity.
Up to 850 primates are held there, treated as test subjects despite being able to experience fear, pain, and complex emotions, not unlike us. Freedom of Information documents reveal that they endure confinement, isolation, suffering and torment, with infants separated from their mothers, animals spending their entire lives in cages and being subjected to highly invasive procedures. At the end of their use, they are usually killed.
This industry operates largely out of sight, with limited oversight and little public awareness. If more people knew, would they accept it?
Do locals really want this stain on their community?
A better path forward exists
Primate research is justified as necessary for human health, but the evidence tells a different story. Despite their similarities to humans, key biological differences mean results usually don’t translate to people.
Experts and advocates are calling for the rehabilitation and rehoming of these primates, allowing them to live out their lives in peace. This is not just an ethical step forward—it’s an opportunity for Gippsland to lead.
Instead of being a place of cruelty, this facility could become something Gippsland can be proud of: a sanctuary, a place of rehabilitation, and a symbol of compassion and progress.
Take action now
Everyone has a choice – either to stay silent, or to speak up and demand change.
We are calling on local MPs and councillors to end primate breeding and testing in Churchill, transition the facility away from animal experimentation, and support the rehabilitation and rehoming of the primates currently held there.
Use this letter to contact Mr Martin Cameron MP, who represents the electorate in which the primate facility is located:
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Gippsland should not be known for animal suffering. Whether you live locally or elsewhere, together we can ensure it stands for something better: compassion, progress, and leadership.
Share Your Story
People inside the animal research industry often see what the public never does. If you have witnessed something you feel needs attention, you can share it with us confidentially. Your report could provide critical insight that helps drive change and strengthen our campaign to end these practices.
Share your story here.
More information
Find out more about what’s happening in Gippsland’s primate breeding and testing facility:
- Case against the Gippsland facility
- Recent news coverage
- Latest findings
- Case study – brain damage
- Case study- brain anatomy
- Case study – fear
- More on primate experimentation
To take part in local advocacy in Gippsland, contact AFSA.