%0 Journal Article
%A Van Leeuwen, Edwin J. C.
%A Bruinstroop, Bernadette M. C.
%A Haun, Daniel B. M.
%+ Department of Comparative Cultural Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Max Planck Society
Department of Comparative Cultural Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Max Planck Society
%T Early trauma leaves no social signature in sanctuary-housed chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) : 
%G eng
%U https://hdl.handle.net/21.11116/0000-000C-7998-1
%R 10.3390/ani13010049
%D 2023
%* Review method: peer-reviewed
%X Negative early experiences can have detrimental effects on social functioning in later life, both in humans as well as in other socially-living animals. In zoo-housed chimpanzees, recent evidence suggests that there may be a lingering signature of early trauma on individuals’ social interaction tendencies as measured by social proximity and grooming. Here, we address whether a similar effect would be observable in chimpanzees living under semi-wild conditions in an African sanctuary. By analysing party size, close proximity and social grooming, we show that in this specific sanctuary, chimpanzees that suffered early trauma (n = 42) were socially indistinguishable from chimpanzees who were born and raised by their mothers in the sanctuary (n = 36). Our findings indicate that chimpanzees may not be irreversibly affected by early social trauma, possibly owing to rehabilitation in stable social groups in a semi-natural environment. Beyond identifying sanctuaries as valuable rehabilitation centres for orphaned chimpanzees, this study demonstrates a remarkable social flexibility in one of our closest living relatives.
%K chimpanzees; welfare; social deprivation; trauma; coping; sanctuary
%J Animals
%V 13
%N 1
%& 49
%P 49
%@ 2076-2615