Gorillas are the largest living primates whose welfare in captivity requires complex social group management, cognitive enrichment, and large naturalistic environments.
Gorilla welfare in zoos has improved dramatically over recent decades through better exhibit design, larger more naturalistic spaces, more complex social grouping, and sophisticated enrichment programs. Regurgitation and reingestion behavior — once considered normal in captive gorillas — is now recognized as a welfare indicator that can be significantly reduced through appropriate management. Positive reinforcement training for medical cooperation eliminates the need for anesthesia for routine health checks, reducing welfare harms substantially. Gorillas at their best in zoos inspire profound respect for great ape intelligence and serve powerfully in conservation education.