How chimpanzee sanctuaries across Africa care for orphaned and ex-captive chimpanzees, and the welfare challenges of long-term great ape care.
Chimpanzee sanctuaries face unique welfare challenges because their residents are cognitively and emotionally complex animals that have typically experienced severe trauma. Orphaned chimps often show signs of PTSD including rocking, self-clutching, and extreme social anxiety. Reintegration into chimp groups requires expert management to prevent severe aggression. Long-term captivity in sanctuaries, while far better than exploitation, cannot fully meet the ranging and social complexity needs of wild chimpanzees. Supporting sanctuaries while also addressing the bushmeat trade that creates the need for them is the dual welfare priority.