Chimpanzees retired from biomedical research deserve lifetime sanctuary care in appropriate social and environmental conditions. The transition from research facility to sanctuary transforms welfare outcomes.
Chimpanzees retired from research often carry lasting behavioral scars from isolation, inadequate housing, and research procedures. The transition to sanctuary — with naturalistic environments, compatible social groups, and behavioral enrichment — produces measurable welfare recovery. Chimps form new social bonds, resume play behavior, and reduce stereotypies over time. The investment in sanctuary infrastructure is substantial but represents an ethical obligation to animals who gave involuntary service to biomedical research.