ZDF documentary investigates secrecy in animal testing laboratories

The ZDF documentary series ‘37°: Geheimsache Tierversuche’ investigates the lack of transparency in German animal testing laboratories. Director Manfred Karremann spent a year attempting to gain access to facilities, but most laboratories refused to cooperate despite promises of anonymity.

Professor Stefan Schlatt from the University of Münster is one of the few scientists willing to speak on camera about his research on male fertility. He noted the significant social backlash and hostility researchers often face due to the controversial nature of their work.

Data from the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment indicates that approximately 1.3 million animals are used in German experiments annually, a figure that rises to over three million when including animals bred for surplus or organ harvesting. While the documentary shows footage of standard safety tests involving various species, it also highlights emerging alternatives such as human cell cultures, artificial skin, and organ-on-a-chip technology, including methods developed by BASF.