Monkeys and smaller primates in zoos have complex social, cognitive and physical needs that are often inadequately met. Species-specific requirements vary widely and require specialised management.
Primate welfare in zoos beyond the high-profile great apes often receives less institutional attention despite equivalent cognitive and social complexity in many species. Marmosets and tamarins — common in many zoo collections — are highly cooperative breeders who live in tightly bonded family groups in the wild; solitary or pair housing without appropriate social structure causes chronic stress. Macaques form large, hierarchically complex troops; managing group size and composition in captivity requires considerable expertise. The most welfare-positive primate exhibits provide complex three-dimensional environments, cognitively demanding foraging enrichment, stable social groups, and training programmes that give animals control over veterinary interactions.