Welfare Science

Primate Sanctuary Welfare and Lifetime Care

Primate sanctuaries provide refuge for rescued research, bushmeat, and pet primates, with welfare challenges from social rehabilitation and lifetime care commitments.

Key Facts

Chimpanzee sanctuaries in Africa house hundreds of animals rescued from the bushmeat and pet trade
Research chimpanzees retired from US laboratories require lifetime care in accredited sanctuaries
Social rehabilitation of isolated primates is a complex and lengthy process
The cost of lifetime chimpanzee care can exceed one million dollars per individual

Welfare Considerations

Primates rescued from research or the pet trade often have severe social deficits and health problems. Social rehabilitation requires skilled, patient care over years. Funding lifetime care commitments is a significant ethical obligation for institutions that used research primates.

What You Can Do

Support chimpanzee and primate sanctuary organisations in Africa and the US
Advocate for mandatory lifetime care funding requirements for research primate facilities
Engage with campaigns to end primate use in research