When we give out gum, we usually give each chimp a few pieces. Negra decided that she either couldn’t chew that much at once, or that she’d rather keep the different flavors of gum separate. Either way, she held one wad in her hand while she chewed the other, and them swapped them every couple of minutes.
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A good old Yorkshire saying where we are from is “Eee by Gum” which some translate to “Oh my God” or OMG as you may see on some blogs. That is what we thought when we saw this, never even thought gum would have been something chimps would chew on. Learning something new everyday thats what life is all about.
it is with EXTREME embarrassment that i confess that negra is a more socially acceptable gum chewer than i … that is, she doesn’t seem to have her mouth as open as i and therefore probably snaps her gum much less than i … my dear mother (now free flying in the universe) still cringes (i know) when she hears her sweet leslie (?!) ‘snap’in that gum’ … negra baby, get a good snap going for me …
WOW!! You could really tell she was enjoying that! I chomped right along with her!! 🙂
Question………when they are finished with the gum, do they swallow it, spit it out like we do when the taste is gone, play with it, etc. If they do swallow it, does it bother their digestive track at all?
They do swallow the gum, but it comes out the other end without causing any harm 🙂
I don’t like to mix my flavors either Neggie…….. she does enjoy her gum.
(Hint, hint… we are low on sugar free gum)
The last time I went to the dentist he asked me if I chewed gum, which I don’t, because I’m losing some enamel. He said that he tells kids that come into his office that they can chew Trident Xtra Care Sugarless Gum twice a day because it strengthens teeth enamel. I have to admit that’s the first time I’ve heard a dentist recommend gum chewing. I’ve had a hard time finding some, I eventually located some at Walgreen’s, it’s a little expensive but anything to help keep the enamel I have left on my teeth. Amazon sells the sugarless, if that’s something you all would be interested in receiving, I’d order you some.
P.S. I can’t get over how young Negra’s looking these days, if you could put up a before and current picture of Negra, I would appreciate it.
See this photo of Negra from the early days:
https://chimpsnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/negra-serene2.jpg
LOL – Negra does seem to thoroughly enjoy her gum!!
I’ve just added some to the Amazon wish list – we like to use Xylitol gum, which is a natural, lower-calorie sugar that has cavity prevention properties. Thanks!
Candy, I was thinking the exact same thing! Negra is looking younger and more beautiful each day. I love watching the chimps chewing gum. Is there a special brand they like or any gum as long as it’s sugarless? I would be happy to restock your gum supply.
I don’t think there is any preference to brands of gum as long as it’s sugarless the sanctuary would be grateful.
Just added some to the Amazon wish list – thank you!
Thanks for the link, but there’s an even better picture of Negra’s “before picture”, dated 06-13-2008.
I agree with everyone. Negra is really looking so refreshed and hence younger looking!! I can’t wait to see the 7 after they have a chance to play on Young’s Hill!
Love the new close-up camera!!!