Understanding what distinguishes genuine primate sanctuaries from exploitative facilities, and what welfare standards should govern the care of great apes and other primates rescued from the pet trade and entertainment.
Primate sanctuaries serve a critical welfare function by providing lifetime care for animals who cannot be released into the wild but whose needs cannot be met in most zoo settings. The distinction between genuine sanctuaries and exploitative facilities using "sanctuary" branding is critical for welfare-minded donors and visitors. Genuine sanctuaries provide appropriate species group sizes, naturalistic habitats, no public contact, and evidence-based behavioral management. The welfare of primates in sanctuary settings depends heavily on the quality of individualized behavioral care — most residents have behavioral trauma from their previous situations that requires skilled, patient rehabilitation. Long-term commitment to each individual's physical and psychological health is the defining characteristic of sanctuary care.