Chimpanzees are our closest relatives and have complex social and cognitive needs in captivity. Modern welfare standards reflect growing understanding of their sophisticated requirements.
Chimpanzees in inadequate social groupings or barren environments suffer profound psychological distress visible through rocking, self-mutilation and stereotypic behaviors. Their intelligence makes them acutely sensitive to environmental inadequacy. Best practice facilities provide complex social groups, large naturalistic enclosures with outdoor access, and daily enrichment programs engaging their cognitive and social needs.