African wild dogs are exceptional cooperative hunters requiring large packs and extensive space; their welfare in zoos depends heavily on appropriate social group management.
African wild dog welfare in captivity depends critically on maintaining appropriate pack structure. Isolated individuals or small groups show profound social stress, reduced activity, and health deterioration. Packs in zoo settings require sufficient space for full ranging behaviour that cannot be replicated but should be maximised, along with enriched enclosures that allow group cooperation activities like chasing and play. The greatest welfare risks are inter-pack introductions in limited space and forced separation of bonded individuals for breeding transfers. Best-practice facilities maintain stable, compatible packs with minimal disruptive transfers and large naturalistic enclosures. Captive wild dogs contribute to conservation education and as a genetic reservoir.