Wire snares set for bushmeat cause devastating injuries to chimpanzees in West Africa, resulting in amputations and long-term welfare harm requiring sanctuary intervention.
Snare injuries cause acute pain, infection and limb loss. Chimpanzees with amputated hands or feet face altered foraging success and social dynamics. Sanctuary care for severely injured individuals requires decades of provision given lifespans exceeding 50 years. Psychological welfare of highly intelligent, socially complex primates in captivity requires large social groups, cognitive enrichment and skilled care. Snare removal patrol programmes in forests directly prevent individual welfare harm.