MEDIA ADVISORY – Animal Advocates Protest York University’s Cruel Primate Experiments Following Release of Last Chance for Animals’ Undercover Investigation
TORONTO, May 12, 2026 /CNW/ – Last Chance for Animals (LCA), alongside the Anti-Vivisection Alliance, Direct Action Everywhere Toronto, Animal Rights Toronto, and advocates Vikki Lenola and Jenny McQueen, will host a peaceful protest at York University on Friday, May 15.
The demonstration comes amid growing public outrage and widespread criticism online from students and community members after LCA released evidence documenting the cruel conditions faced by nine rhesus macaques used in invasive neuroscience experiments at York University. To date, York has not issued a public statement addressing the investigation or the allegations raised.
On the morning of the protest, LCA will release never-before-seen investigation images involving additional macaques previously used in experiments at York University. These new images will raise additional questions about the university’s long history of primate research, including: “How many macaques have been used by York University in research, and will it end?”
WHO:
Last Chance for Animals (LCA), the Anti-Vivisection Alliance, Direct Action Everywhere Toronto, Animal Rights Toronto, and advocates Vikki Lenola and Jenny McQueen
WHAT:
Peaceful protest and public outreach event opposing primate experimentation at York University. Protesters will call on York University to end its experiments on macaques and transfer them to a sanctuary.
WHEN:
Friday, May 15, 2026
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM EDT
WHERE:
Meet at Aroma Espresso Bar
105 The Pond Rd
Toronto, ON M3J, Canada
Participants will then march together to the protest location.
Participants and organizers will be available for interviews before, during, and after the protest. To arrange one-on-one interviews, please contact campaigns@lcanimal.org.
BACKGROUND:
A recent undercover investigation by Last Chance for Animals (LCA) exposed disturbing conditions inside York University’s primate research laboratory. According to footage, records, and expert reviews released through the investigation, macaques were subjected to:
- Macaques confined to small, barren cages
- Invasive cranial implants
- Restraint collars worn 24/7
- Social isolation
- Macaques exhibiting signs of stereotypic behavior, including pacing, overgrooming, and pulling out their hair
- Water restriction resulting in some macaques drinking their own urine
This protest is not only about York University, but about the future of science and ethics in Canada. Organizers are calling on York University to immediately end its macaque experimentation program and retire the surviving macaques to a sanctuary.
To learn more, view the investigation, or take action, visit:
https://stopyorkprimateresearch.com/
SOURCE Last Chance For Animals
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