Chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans rescued from the entertainment and biomedical industries require lifetime sanctuary care. Standards for genuine sanctuary welfare differ substantially from display facilities.
Great ape sanctuaries represent both an urgent welfare necessity and a long-term financial commitment that many facilities cannot sustain. Chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans displaced from entertainment, biomedical research, and the pet trade require lifetime care in social groups with appropriate outdoor space, cognitive enrichment, and veterinary support. The distinction between genuine sanctuaries and facilities that exploit the sanctuary label for public display revenue is important. Accredited sanctuaries do not allow public animal contact, do not breed animals, provide species-appropriate social housing, and maintain detailed animal welfare records. Supporting accredited facilities channels donor resources to animals receiving genuinely high-quality long-term care.