Gorillas are our closest living relatives alongside chimpanzees and bonobos. Their extraordinary social and cognitive complexity makes their welfare in zoo settings one of the most demanding challenges.
Gorilla welfare in zoos is inextricably linked to social and psychological wellbeing. Cardiovascular disease -- specifically fibrosing cardiomyopathy -- has been identified at alarmingly high rates in captive male gorillas and is thought to have psychological stress as a contributing factor. Solitary or inadequately grouped gorillas show stereotypic behaviors, self-injurious behavior, and abnormal social interactions. Large, naturalistic enclosures with complex social groups, varied enrichment, and positive human-animal relationships support better psychological welfare. Gorilla programs that participate in gorilla field conservation maintain connection between captive and wild populations that enhances welfare through meaningful conservation purpose.