A pilot study on the effects of a change in behavioural management on the behaviour of captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

•Pilot study on retired laboratory chimpanzees that are relocated.•Solitary, social, anxiety-related and abnormal behaviour are studied during four years.•Allogrooming increases at the sanctuary.•Abnormal behaviour increases at the sanctuary.•Large enclosures not sufficient to reduce abnormal behaviour.