Learn About Chimpanzees - Chimpanzees in Captivity

Chimpanzees pay a price that is sometimes fatal because they are our closest relatives. Chimpanzees in captivity have been placed in situations of human exploitation, as pets, biomedical use, or entertainment.

Captive chimpanzees can be found in many places: biomedical research facilities, zoos, the entertainment industry, sanctuaries, and even in private homes. There are approximately 3,000 chimpanzees who live in captivity in the United States; approximately 1,400 are available for biomedical research, approximately 1,000 can be found in private homes and entertainment, and 600 live in zoos and sanctuaries.