Chimpanzees are among the most cognitively complex non-human animals. Their welfare in captivity requires sophisticated social group management and cognitive enrichment that few facilities fully provide.
Chimpanzee welfare in captivity requires sustained investment in social group management, space provision and cognitive enrichment. The social complexity of wild chimpanzee society - with alliances, political dynamics, conflict resolution and cultural transmission - cannot be replicated in zoo groups, but thoughtful management of group composition, introductions and conflict can approximate its essential elements. The welfare gap between good and poor chimpanzee facilities is enormous: well-managed groups with cognitive enrichment, large complexes and skilled keeper relationships show dramatically lower stereotypy rates than poorly managed facilities. Accreditation should require not just minimum standards but demonstrated welfare outcomes.