Primates rescued from the illegal pet trade, biomedical research and entertainment industries often require lifelong sanctuary care. The standards of that care vary enormously and have major implications for individual welfare.
Primate sanctuary welfare is one of the most demanding areas of captive animal care. The cognitive complexity of primates means they require sophisticated social environments, enrichment programmes and skilled human relationships to thrive. The welfare gap between accredited sanctuaries with adequate resources and inadequately funded or poorly managed facilities is enormous. Supporting accredited sanctuaries rather than tourist-oriented facilities is the most direct individual contribution to primate welfare. International funding for African and Asian great ape sanctuaries is chronically insufficient relative to need.