What a special week this has been! Over the last few days, we’ve received tons of items from our Amazon Wishlist, we received our brand new, top of the line camera from our amazing board members (which produced the spectacular footage below), and today, the chimps had the most awesome party! Special thanks to Robbi and Dick Brown, Leslie Sodaro, Jeani Goodrich, Diane and Syd Marcus, Sue Elfing, and the GFWC-Battleground, WA for all of the enrichment and to all of our amazing supporters and volunteers, who make days like this possible. Happy Holidays, everyone!
Archives for December 2010
Happy Day to Emily Hawkes
Caitlin chose today as a sponsor-a-day to honor Emily Hawkes. Thanks Caitlin and Merry Christmas, Emily!
Here’s a little Jody to light up everyone’s day:
Foxie nesting
Chimpanzees and dolls
Foxie’s not the only chimpanzee with a doll. In addition to countless examples of other captive apes carrying trolls, Sponge Bobs, and stuffed chimps, there is now evidence of wild chimpanzees treating sticks as dolls.
Knowing how intelligent and imaginative chimpanzees can be, this shouldn’t be surprising. But I can’t help being amazed. One young chimp was actually seen making a second nest, just for his doll…
Gum
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.
New camera!
The chimps aren’t the only ones receiving gifts this holiday season. Our Board of Directors has generously donated the digital SLR camera from our wishlist. It’s similar to Diana’s personal camera that we have been using, but it has the added capability of recording video.
Because it accepts all of the same zoom lenses, we can now film the chimps in areas of the building that were previously out of range for the point and shoot camera. Plus it will allow us to get great close up video when they are roaming their two-acre enclosure this summer. Take a look:
Burrito’s favorite thing
One of Burrito’s most endearing qualities — and he has many — is his unadulterated enthusiasm for food. He is one of the least picky eaters I’ve ever met. Here he is devouring some lettuce:
