African wild dogs are highly social canids with complex pack structures. Captive welfare requires careful group management and large spaces for this wide-ranging species.
African wild dog welfare in captivity depends critically on pack social structure. Keeping individuals in small groups or pairs rather than full packs prevents the complex cooperative social interactions that define this species. Subordinate individuals in poorly managed packs may be prevented from feeding, mating or expressing normal behaviour by dominant animals — welfare monitoring must assess all individuals, not just the dominant pair. Large enclosures with complex terrain allow the ranging and hunting behaviours that wild dogs are evolved for. Conservation reintroduction programmes must carefully assess whether captive individuals retain the skills and social competencies needed for wild survival.