How social group composition and management in zoos affects primate welfare and what best practice in primate social housing looks like.
Primate social management is one of the most complex challenges in zoo animal welfare because the stakes are so high — inappropriate social arrangements cause significant psychological suffering for cognitively sophisticated animals — and the species-specific requirements are so varied. A natural chimpanzee social group includes males, females, and offspring in complex hierarchical relationships that take years to establish. Great ape bachelor groups provide social complexity for males who cannot be placed in mixed groups. Even for species where same-sex housing is appropriate, the specific individuals must be matched for compatibility. The expertise required for good primate social management is significant and must be sustained across the life of the animals in care.