Bonobos have distinctive social structures characterised by female dominance and conflict resolution through affiliative behaviour. Understanding their unique social needs is essential for zoo welfare.
Bonobo welfare in captivity requires understanding their unique social dynamics. Unlike chimpanzees, bonobos reduce conflict through affiliative rather than aggressive means, but this requires appropriate group composition with sufficient females to maintain the natural social structure. Restricting affiliative behaviour for human comfort or husbandry convenience compromises welfare. The small global captive population means careful group management is essential for both individual welfare and species conservation.