The phase-out of invasive chimpanzee research has left thousands of animals in laboratory holding; accredited sanctuaries provide the welfare-appropriate retirement alternative.
The retirement of chimpanzees from research represents one of the clearest recent victories for laboratory animal welfare, but the transition to full sanctuary life is incomplete. Chimpanzees that have spent years or decades in laboratory conditions show behavioral sequelae including fear responses, learned helplessness, and social difficulties that require expert rehabilitation. Accredited sanctuaries providing large forested habitats, stable social groups, and expert behavioral care represent the gold standard for post-research chimpanzee welfare.