Chimpanzee mothers killed for bushmeat leave orphaned infants that are sometimes kept as pets or sold before rescue. Rehabilitation of chimpanzee orphans is one of the most intensive and long-term wildlife welfare programs in Africa.
Chimpanzee orphans typically witness the killing of their mothers and experience acute traumatic stress. Young chimpanzees that are kept as pets by hunters develop psychological trauma from isolation and inappropriate care. Sanctuary rehabilitation involves years of psychological recovery and socialisation before forest training can begin. Chimpanzees have human-like emotional responses to trauma and loss, making the welfare significance of rescue, care, and successful rehabilitation particularly high.