Gorillas in captivity require sophisticated social and environmental management to meet the complex needs of these highly intelligent great apes.
Gorillas are among the most psychologically complex animals in captivity. Without appropriate social groups, cognitive stimulation, and choice and control over their environment, captive gorillas develop stereotypic behaviors, become obese, and show signs of depression. The most welfare-positive captive environments provide large, naturalistic spaces with vegetation and climbing structures, stable social groups with appropriate demographic balance, and training programs that allow gorillas to participate voluntarily in health checks. Sanctuaries for rescued gorillas must provide decades of intensive rehabilitative care.