Sanctuaries for rescued chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and other primates provide refuge for animals confiscated from the trade or retired from research, with variable welfare outcomes depending on standards.
Primate sanctuaries vary enormously in their welfare capacity. Accredited sanctuaries meeting PASA or similar standards provide spacious social housing, naturalistic enrichment, veterinary care, and long-term commitment to resident animals. Unaccredited facilities may warehouse animals in poor conditions under the sanctuary label. The complexity of primate social needs — particularly for chimps that require complex group dynamics — means that welfare is not achieved simply by providing space, but requires careful social management, behavioral enrichment, and species-appropriate group composition. Supporting high-standard sanctuaries while advocating for accreditation requirements is the most effective welfare response.