These methods are useful in certain situations, but can provide only limited insight into the biological interactions of systems within a living organism. Research on animals is also essential to improve the health of animals themselves. Without such research, vaccines for rabies, distemper, and feline leukemia would have never been developed.
Animal testing is different.
It does not refer to scientific, biomedical study. Yerkes does not participate in consumer product safety testing. Yerkes' mission is to find new treatments for diseases such as AIDS and cardiovascular disease. They take responsibility for all aspects of animal well-being, including proper housing, nutrition, disease prevention and treatment, careful handling and enrichment. Supporters of animal rights, however, believe that any use of animals, whether it be for food, clothing, education, or research is unethical and therefore wrong.