Gloves made from which of the following materials would be best to use when handling nonhuman primates?

• A. Vinyl
• B. Neoprene
• C. Latex
• D. Animal hides

Answer: (D)

Handling nonhuman primates carries a real risk of bites and scratches, so the glove material should prioritize durability and resistance to tearing. Leather gloves (animal hides) provide the best protection in this scenario because they’re thick and tough, offering superior puncture and tear resistance compared with disposable gloves. They also tend to offer a better grip and dexterity when you’re managing a wary or strong animal, which helps reduce the chance of a bite or scratch and improves control during handling or restraint.

Disposable materials like vinyl, latex, or neoprene are useful for protecting against liquids or chemicals and for general barrier protection, but they are more prone to punctures or tearing if an animal bites or claws, and latex can introduce allergy concerns for some people.

Keep in mind that leather gloves aren’t ideal for sterile tasks or chemical decontamination; use the appropriate gloves and follow your facility’s protocols for those situations. Change gloves if they become contaminated or damaged.