Captive chimpanzees are often cautious about changes in their environment. When we recently replaced the straw on the floor of the outdoor area with a deep layer of wood chips, we expected some of the chimps to be reluctant to walk on them. We were right about that, but I never would have guessed that Jamie would be nervous while Burrito would act like nothing had changed!
One of the reasons why we put the tractor tires out there in the first place is that ex-laboratory chimpanzees are often initially hesitant to walk on natural substrates. The tires allowed them to get outside with getting their feet dirty or wet. Of course, they all got used to it eventually, just as they will get used to the wood chips. But for some, especially Foxie, it may take a little while.
Ah bless them. I’m so glad that they are getting the chance to experience so many different things now. Tho I’m not sure Foxie would agree. 😉
Well, it looks like Foxie will be getting some good stretching in over the coming days. Install wood chips and improve your flexibility! 🙂
How good is chimps’ eyesight? Why do they get so close to look at the wood chips/new things?
thats a great question Amy id never even thought of that , cant wait to find out now x
My guess is that when they put their face up close they’re actually checking for scent?
Chimpanzees’ vision is very similar to ours. I think the difference is that they bend down to inspect things up close, whereas we humans would be more likely to scoop something up and hold it up close to our face. I have noticed that some chimps seem near- or far-sighted (my favorite example being our friend Sue Ellen at the Fauna Foundation that would not recognize us until we got within about 5 feet of her), so that could also be a factor.
thanks JB , thats interesting on Sue Ellen , it makes sense if their vision is like ours they are likely to suffer similar problems x
This is so funny. We have a cat that I swear sometimes plays a game of not touching the floor. He will jump from furniture to furniture.
Is their skin thick enough that wood splinters are not an issue? Even on their bottoms?
We took the wood chips from a very old pile, so they are well mulched and there are no sharp pieces to endanger the chimps.
That last stretch at the end………….Foxie, you even made my leg muscles hurt! She made it though and you can see how determined she was “not” to walk on those chips. I love watching them figure things out. You can hear all those little wheels going around in their heads.
Great video JB!
aw i loved that , really interesting i loved Foxie on her stepping stones ! brilliant enrichment as well x
It’s interesting how some of them pay no attention and others are cautious. I think the chimps are smelling the chips to get information on what they are, whether they are edible and I’m sure to pick out the many scents on the chips that they collect during processing.
Annie – Dig, smell, wipe it off…..QUICK.