Bonobos are our closest relatives alongside chimpanzees. Their welfare in research facilities and sanctuaries requires consideration of their unique social structure and cognitive complexity.
Bonobo welfare in captivity requires understanding their unique social biology. Bonobos are intensely social, female-bonded, and use sexual behaviour as a social currency — conditions that cannot be replicated in small research groups or inadequate social environments. Research facilities housing bonobos must provide complex social groups, extensive foraging opportunities, and environments that allow the full range of bonobo social behaviour. The shift away from great ape research in most jurisdictions has improved individual welfare but created a population of former research bonobos requiring lifelong sanctuary care. Supporting bonobo sanctuaries is a direct welfare investment in individuals who have already served human research interests.