A proposal to establish a massive monkey-breeding facility in Georgia, capable of accommodating 30,000 long-tailed macaques, has ignited fierce opposition from animal rights groups and some residents. The $396 million project, spearheaded by Safer Human Medicine, aims to meet the increasing demand for primates in medical research over the next two decades.

The sprawling complex, spread across 200 acres in Bainbridge, Georgia, has drawn criticism for its scale, with some locals expressing concerns about the potential influx of monkeys into their community. Ted Lee, a local resident, claimed, "They're an invasive species, and 30,000 of them - we'd just be overrun with monkeys." David Barber, who lives in close proximity to the proposed facility, also voiced apprehension, stating, "I don't think anybody would want 30,000 monkeys next door."

Animal rights groups have joined forces with residents, arguing that breeding primates for medical experiments is cruel and provides limited benefits in terms of developing new treatments for humans due to species differences. Kathleen Conlee, vice-president of animal research issues for the Humane Society, emphasized the negative impact on primate survival in the wild. She called for local authorities to reject the facility and for the federal government to prioritize scientific methods that save lives without compromising animal welfare.

While the vast majority of medical testing involves rodents, approximately 1% involves primates. The National Institutes of Health discontinued support for biomedical research on chimpanzees in 2015, and welfare groups advocate for a broader ban, promoting alternative methods such as artificial intelligence. Concerns arise from the annual use of around 70,000 monkeys in the US for testing purposes, as researchers warn of a dwindling primate supply.

Safer Human Medicine argues that its proposed facility would address this shortage while providing over 260 local jobs for the care of the macaques. The company's spokeswoman emphasized the importance of dispelling misconceptions surrounding animal research and providing accurate information to the Bainbridge community.

The project initially secured tax breaks but now awaits a decision from local authorities, as tax incentives have been withdrawn. However, Safer Human Medicine remains committed to proceeding with the facility's plans. The Mayor of Bainbridge, Edward Reynolds, has yet to comment on the matter.

The contentious debate over the establishment of the largest monkey-breeding facility in the United States continues to divide opinions, raising questions about the ethical implications of primate research and the balance between scientific progress and animal welfare.