Scrutiny Intensifies on Baboon Breeding Facility in Western Sydney
The National Baboon Colony in Wallacia, Western Sydney—home to a 160-strong baboon troop bred for medical research—has become the focus of growing debate over animal welfare and scientific ethics.
The Facility
The colony is secured with padlocks, wire fencing, barbed wire, and a guard dog. In a recent report by A Current Affair, a woman parked her car between the camera crew and the main gate and asked them to leave.
"Concrete buildings, concrete floors and mesh cages. It looks like a jail."
— Former animal technician at the facility
The former technician also claimed the baboons often suffer under anaesthesia, surgeries, and drug lines, leaving them in pain and depressed, and that animals attack each other.
Scientific Value vs. Ethical Concerns
The baboons have contributed to notable medical breakthroughs, but there are growing calls to phase out the practice in favor of new approach methodologies.
"You can make predictions about what will happen in real human cells in places like the heart, the liver, the brain... That's much more accurate than trying to make predictions from doing similar things to baboons."
— Dr. Andrew Knight, veterinary professor of animal welfare
However, others argue that some research requires primate models.
"If you're studying movement disorders, things like stroke, how the body repairs itself... this is information that you can only really learn by studying it in primates."
— Bella Lear, CEO of Understanding Animal Research Oceania
Documented Deaths Raise Questions
Emma Hurst, NSW Animal Justice Party MP, provided documents citing causes of death for 24 baboons between 2021 and 2025. Among them:
- Shakira – killed for a rash on her face
- Klaus – killed for skin conditions
- Odette – killed for gas and bloating
These cases have intensified scrutiny of the colony's practices and oversight.
Official Response
The Sydney Local Health District defended the facility:
"The Australian National Baboon Colony (ANBC) plays an essential role in advancing lifesaving medical research. The animals are cared for with respect and compassion by dedicated veterinary professionals, and their wellbeing is our highest priority."
They noted the colony's contributions to understanding:
- Preeclampsia and toxaemia in pregnancy
- Novel insulin delivery for diabetes
- Neurological impacts of disease
All research meets ethical and regulatory requirements under the NHMRC’s Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.
Government Action
In 2023-24, the NSW Government provided $4.5 million to support replacing and reducing animals in medical research. In 2024, it established the Non-Animal Technologies Network (NAT-Net) to accelerate the transition toward alternative methods.