Chimpanzees have complex social and cognitive needs that are difficult to meet in captivity. Understanding their welfare requirements is essential for sanctuaries and zoos.
Chimpanzees in captivity require large, socially complex groups, varied and challenging environments, and opportunities for autonomous decision-making. Psychological trauma from isolation, research use, or inappropriate early rearing can persist for decades. Best practice sanctuaries provide outdoor access, multi-level climbing structures, regular novel enrichment, and stable social groups managed by experienced primatologists. The move away from using chimpanzees in biomedical research and entertainment has increased demand for high-quality sanctuary places. Accreditation standards set minimum group sizes and environmental complexity requirements.