PETA alleges mistreatment of monkeys at University of Minnesota labs

Animal rights group calls for federal funding to be pulled, researchers to be barred from animal work

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A ghostly, translucent X-ray image shows the intricate structure of a monkey's brain, conceptually representing allegations of mistreatment in neuroscience experiments.An X-ray image reveals the complex inner workings of a primate's brain, raising concerns about alleged mistreatment in university research labs.Minneapolis Today

Animal-rights group PETA is calling for federal funding to be pulled and for two University of Minnesota researchers, Jan Zimmermann and Geoffrey Ghose, to be barred from working with animals. PETA alleges the neuroscientists botched multiple brain surgeries on monkeys, leading to serious injuries and prolonged suffering. The University has acknowledged the complaints and says one of the researchers was previously stripped of the ability to run an independent lab while an internal review is ongoing.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of animals in university research labs, particularly the use of primates in neuroscience experiments. PETA's allegations, if substantiated, could have significant consequences for the researchers and the University's federal funding and reputation.

The details

According to PETA, Zimmermann and Ghose performed multiple botched brain surgeries on monkeys, resulting in serious injuries and prolonged suffering for the animals. The University has acknowledged the complaints and says one of the researchers, Ghose, was previously stripped of the ability to run an independent lab while an internal review is ongoing.

  • The allegations were made by PETA on April 14, 2026.

The players

PETA

An animal-rights group that has made the allegations of mistreatment against the University of Minnesota researchers.

Jan Zimmermann

A University of Minnesota neuroscientist accused by PETA of botching multiple brain surgeries on monkeys.

Geoffrey Ghose

A University of Minnesota neuroscientist accused by PETA of botching multiple brain surgeries on monkeys. The University has stripped Ghose of the ability to run an independent lab while an internal review is ongoing.

University of Minnesota

The university where the alleged mistreatment of monkeys in research labs took place.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The University of Minnesota has said it is conducting an internal review of the allegations. The outcome of this review and any potential disciplinary actions against the researchers will be closely watched.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between animal research and animal welfare, as well as the need for rigorous oversight and accountability in university labs to ensure the humane treatment of research animals.