Chimpanzees in zoos have complex social needs that require sophisticated management. Understanding wild chimpanzee social dynamics informs better captive management.
Chimpanzee social complexity makes their captive management one of the most demanding in the zoo world. Unlike species that can live well in pairs or small groups, chimpanzees have evolved in large, dynamic communities with sophisticated political relationships. Small zoo groups cannot provide the social options chimpanzees need to manage conflict through avoidance, coalition-building, and reconciliation. The welfare consequences of inadequate social management include chronic aggression, stress, and injury. Progressive zoo management increasingly involves housing chimpanzees in large, complex social groups with rich environments that allow expression of natural behavioral repertoires.