Enrichment comes in many shapes and sizes. We give the chimps gum from time to time, because not only is it good for the chimps’ teeth (we try to stick to Spry Brand gum, which has Xylitol in it- a natural sweetener that is also good for your teeth), but it gives them something interesting to do. Some of the chimps choose to just swallow their gum right away, but others like to chew and even play with their gum.
Burrito:
Missy, “stretching out” her enrichment:
Ok now, get ya a cheeck pouch of gum. Today we’re gonna learn to blow bubbles!
I love watching them chew gum! They make it look so fun….LOL!
Just so folks reading this are aware, if they aren’t already, while Xylitol seems to be fine for humans and, it seems, chimps, it is extremely toxic to dogs. Small dogs and puppies have died from getting into a pack of chewing gum with Xylitol in it.
Chewing gum is considered a great de-stressor in humans!
Who of us has not played with your gum at one time or another?
Nice pictures, I’ve never seen pictures of Missy & Burrito chewing gum.