MEDIA ADVISORY - Back-to-School Protest at York University to Demand Freedom for the "York 9" and an End to Primate Experiments

TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2026 /CNW/ -- Last Chance for Animals (LCA), The Anti-Vivisection Alliance (TAVA), Animal Rights Toronto, Direct Action Everywhere Toronto, and advocates Vikki Lenola, Jenny McQueen and Peter McQueen will hold a peaceful back-to-school protest and public outreach event at York University on Friday, September 18, calling for an end to invasive experiments on macaques and the release of the nine rhesus macaques known as the "York 9."

Bento, one of the nine macaques used in research at York University.

As thousands of students return to campus, organizers will bring the issue directly to York University, where students and members of the public will have an opportunity to learn about the shocking conditions documented in LCA's undercover investigation into York's primate laboratories.

The event will feature speakers, a media truck playing footage from LCA's undercover investigation, video stations at the subway entrances, and QR-code action stations where students can immediately take action. Free "Save the York 9" T-shirts and tote bags will also be available while supplies last.

The protest organizers are calling on York University to end macaque experimentation and retire the macaques to a sanctuary. They are also calling on Ontario to end animal experimentation and make a decisive shift toward New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and other modern, human-relevant research methods.

WHO:
Last Chance for Animals (LCA), The Anti-Vivisection Alliance (TAVA), Animal Rights Toronto, Direct Action Everywhere Toronto, and advocates Vikki Lenola, Jenny McQueen, and Peter McQueen.

WHAT:
Peaceful back-to-school protest and public outreach event calling for:

• An end to invasive primate experimentation at York University
• The immediate release and sanctuary retirement of the nine macaques known as the "York 9"
• Greater transparency and accountability regarding York University's primate research program
• A transition from animal experimentation toward modern, human-relevant New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)

WHEN:
Friday, September 18, 2026
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM EDT

WHERE:
TTC York University subway station entrances
120 Ian Macdonald Boulevard
York University
Toronto, ON

Participants and organizers will be available for interviews before, during, and after the event. To arrange one-on-one interviews, please contact [email protected]. 

BACKGROUND:
A Last Chance for Animals undercover investigation documented disturbing conditions involving nine rhesus macaques at York University's neuroscience laboratories, including water restriction, permanent restraint devices, invasive cranial implants, repeated surgeries, and prolonged social isolation.

Some of the macaques have spent more than 17 years in the laboratory, with seven of the nine reportedly housed alone. LCA is calling for the "York 9" - Bento, Hannah, Kenny, Liesl, Magneto, Mini-Sass, Do, Olivia and Virginia - to be released and retired to a sanctuary.

To learn more, view the investigation, or take action, visit: 
www.SaveTheYork9.com 

Additional actions:
Ontario Residents: Tell Your MPP to Ban Primate Testing
Premier Ford: Ban Primate Testing in Ontario

SOURCE Last Chance For Animals

Mandy Andrews, Email: [email protected]