Chimpanzees are our closest living relatives and among the most cognitively complex animals in captivity — their welfare demands exceptional social environments, cognitive enrichment, and large, complex spaces.
Chimpanzee welfare is among the most demanding challenges in zoo animal care. Their cognitive complexity means that barren environments cause genuine psychological suffering — not merely reduced activity, but documented depression, self-mutilation, and psychological states analogous to those seen in traumatised humans. Best-practice chimpanzee keeping requires large, socially stable groups; extensive climbing and foraging opportunities; daily cognitive enrichment; and knowledgeable keeper relationships built through positive reinforcement. The retired research chimpanzee population in US sanctuaries represents a welfare success story — these animals receive individualised care focused entirely on their wellbeing rather than production. Zoo chimpanzees deserve the same quality of care.