Western lowland gorillas in accredited zoos have improved welfare compared to past standards, but ongoing challenges remain in meeting complex needs.
Gorillas in modern accredited zoos generally have substantially better welfare than in historical zoo conditions, with larger spaces and better social housing. However, even improved zoo environments cannot fully replicate the cognitive and physical complexity of wild gorilla life. Social disruptions from demographic management, health procedures, and habitat limitations continue to cause stress. Some gorillas in less well-resourced facilities live in substantially inadequate conditions.