A PETA-led coalition of animal protection groups has called for a federal investigation into recent whistleblower claims.
Recent claims by a whistleblower allege that SmartLynx Airlines mistreated 800 long-tailed macaques during a 43-hour flight from Mauritius to Miami.
The animal protection group has alleged the monkeys were denied water for much of the journey, violating the federal Animal Welfare Act and Code of Federal Regulations.
The coalition includes Abolición Vivisección, Action for Primates, Cheshire Animal Rights Campaigns, Monkey Massacre in Mauritius, and One Voice. They have sent a formal complaint to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the matter.
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Allegations Center on 43-Hour Flight
The flight in question included seven layovers, prolonging the animals’ suffering. A whistleblower reported missing paperwork confirming the monkeys received food or water.
This is despite federal rules mandating water is provided every 12 hours. After landing in Miami on May 15, the macaques were reportedly sent to U.S. laboratories for deadly experiments, raising ethical concerns.
Dr. Lisa Jones-Engel, PETA’s Senior Science Advisor, described the flight as a “cruel, pointless ordeal.” She described “terrified” monkeys confined in wooden crates, enduring thirst on a grueling global journey. PETA has demanded that SmartLynx face accountability for apparent animal welfare violations.
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Previous Complaints
In November 2024, PETA filed a prior complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, alleging SmartLynx used improperly constructed, unsecured, and unlabeled cages.
Photos from a Netherlands-based group revealed monkeys in cramped, blood- and feces-covered crates, lacking required labels for live animals or upright positioning. Such conditions endanger animals and violate transport regulations.
Most major airlines, including carrier like Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, have ceased transporting monkeys for experiments due to ethical concerns and public pressure.
The coalition has urged stricter enforcement to protect animals from inhumane treatment. This case underscores broader issues in the transport and use of animals in research. It prompts renewed calls for systemic change to prioritize animal welfare during air transport operations.
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