Great ape sanctuaries across Africa care for thousands of orphaned and confiscated chimpanzees, gorillas, and bonobos rescued from the bushmeat and pet trade. The Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) coordinates standards across 23 member sanctuaries in 13 countries. Welfare challenges include social rehabilitation of traumatised individuals, appropriate group formation, veterinary care for chronic conditions, and provision of adequate habitat enrichment. Chimpanzees require complex social groups (minimum 6-8 individuals) and extensive foraging opportunities. Forest island release and reintroduction programmes attempt to return rehabilitated apes to wild habitats where feasible; success rates vary by species and habitat availability. Gorilla sanctuaries (Rwanda, DRC, Uganda) focus on anti-snare patrols and community engagement rather than captive care. Sanctuary welfare science emphasises psychological recovery from trauma alongside physical health, using behavioural assessment tools validated for great apes.