Chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, and orangutans are highly intelligent great apes whose zoo welfare depends critically on appropriate social housing and cognitive enrichment.
Great ape welfare in zoos requires attention to social complexity matching the natural social system of each species. Solitary housing is a major welfare problem for chimpanzees and gorillas; even difficult-to-integrate individuals require social contact. Enclosures must be large, vertically complex, and enriched daily with foraging opportunities, novel objects, and problem-solving challenges. Television, tablet computers with appropriate programmes, and complex food puzzles support cognitive welfare. Facilities meeting these standards also show higher visitor educational value.