Chimpanzees are our closest living relatives and their welfare in captivity - whether in zoos, sanctuaries, or research facilities - requires the highest standards of social and psychological care.
The welfare needs of chimpanzees are extraordinary in their complexity. As highly intelligent, social, and culturally rich animals, their psychological needs are as critical as their physical needs. Inadequate social groupings, insufficient space, lack of cognitive enrichment, and absence of choice and control cause profound suffering. The gold standard for chimpanzee welfare in captivity involves large, multi-male/multi-female social groups, expansive naturalistic environments, rich behavioral opportunity, and individualized care recognizing the personality and history of each animal. Sanctuary models developed for retired research chimps offer important lessons for zoo welfare improvement.