Because of her extreme intelligence, Jamie is a hard chimp to enrich. But I am certainly up for the challenge.
As I know we’ve mentioned before, enrichment comes in many different shapes and sizes. It’s not just the toys, blankets, and clothing we put out each day. It could be the way they are put out, or what they decide to do with them that is the enriching part. It’s all about creativity, both the caregivers’, and the chimps’ themselves.
We put out new enrichment for the chimps each day, and we have an enrichment calendar to help keep things different and fresh. I try to update this regularly and to keep coming up with new ideas, either from volunteers, things I’ve seen at other sanctuaries, or more importantly, from what I’ve seen these chimps do, themselves. That, to me, is the most important part of being a good caregiver– knowing the individuals in your care. It’s truly a symbiotic relationship. And these guys inspire me each and every day.
The enrichment calendar can sometimes look like a joke to those preparing for the next day– “things that rhyme, aka Dr. Seuss Day”, “enrichment hanging from scarves”, “square things”, “troll heads in buckets”, “everything red”… A lot of it sounds crazy. But the point is not that the chimps particularly love “square things”, but to force us to “think outside of the box”, so to speak, and to shuffle around the enrichment that we have so that the chimps are always getting something new and different (we have A LOT of enrichment!).
Lately, I’ve discovered that if you leave the toys in a big pile (rather than scatter them), the chimps have a tendency to go through each and every thing- picking things up, smelling them, biting them, wearing them, etc… and that’s exactly what happened today.
Jamie made herself comfy and spent about an hour and a half going through the enrichment pile.
She carefully picked up each thing
and of course there were boots in there!
At some point, she decided to wear the apron that friends Margaret and Karen recently gave her, and has been wearing it all morning. While wearing it, I even caught her briefly sweeping up some nut shells with her hand!
Even a sheet became interesting:
I have to say it is very rewarding when you come up with an idea that actually entertains and even inspires the chimps to do something interesting with it. Today, I felt like I got a big pat on the back from Jamie.
and that’s a very special thing.
well done Jackie ! Jamie looks so happy i love her apron from Margaret and Karen ! i was wondering does she still pop on her custom made boots ? also i watched a you tube clip from monkey world recently and wondered if our 7 have ever had a plastic ball ? pool they have done it a few times at MW , sometimes putting them in water , always seems to go down well there 🙂
lovely pictures thank you xxx
Thanks, Marie!
We do have a plastic pool that we occasionally fill up with water. The chimps love drinking from it, and I’ve seen Jamie play with toys in it, but I’ve never seen anyone actually get it in. Water is typically very frightening to chimps. Chimps’ bones are much more dense than ours, causing them to sink, thus they cannot swim. However, I know the Center for Great Apes in Florida has big plastic tubs and their chimps will get in there- sometimes neck deep! Maybe it’s because it’s so much hotter there that they have more initiative to do so, because these guys seem to have no interest in that, whatsoever. (but watch– they’ll be doing it tomorrow!)
Loved the photographic story, Jackie, thank you. Jamie never ceases to amaze me, but the last picture is definitely an “ahh” moment. We don’t get to see her napping very much, it’s fun too see.
hi there, loved this story, I’m sure you thought of this but what about musical instruments like drums for example. Maybe staff can use them or other instruments/noise makers and the chimps will likely mimic them when they get to use them. I bought a drum at a zoo once and walked around with it and they were fascinated by it. I stayed around for hours tapping on it gently as they watched me through the glass. I’m not sure how long this would entertain the chimps but try lot’s of different instruments and see.
Great idea, Shelagh!
As I mentioned, the chimps have lots of toys, including toy musical instruments (drums, xylophones, etc…). Negra enjoys listening to drums (especially if the human is dancing too) and will bob her head when you play for her (either on an actual drum or on the floor/wall/etc. And Jamie has tried out the xylophone: https://chimpsnw.org/2009/12/music/
🙂
Jamie!!! I….LOVE….this…..girl. And that last picture! While it is the epitome of the saying, “She looks like such an angel while she’s sleeping,” I nevertheless nearly melted out of my chair into a puddle on the floor. I think she’s amazing. Thanks for all the great photos, Jackie! Yup, a pat on the back from Jamie is high praise indeed. (Virtual “pats” from me too). 🙂
I love the last picture of Jamie covered in the sheet. I can see the apron is still on. People don’t realize how different life is for a chimp in captivity, they do need a lot of creativity and help not to get anxious or bored.
Thanks, Jane! Yes, it takes a ton of creativity! If you (or any of you) ever have any ideas, feel free to email me: [email protected]
Pictures of an engrossed then relaxed Jamie are truly a treat. Great job, Jackie! Enrichment for these incredible chimps must keep you on your toes. They are an inspiration to their fans too!
Jackie —
What a wonderful, wonderful post! And, yes — if you got Jamie’s approval, I can’t think of anything better.
On an unrelated topic, I saw “Project Nim” today. Not an easy film to sit through because of the story, but extremely well done. I recommend it if you have a chance to see it.
You guys are incredible…racking your brains everyday trying to come up with enrichment ideas for the Magnificent 7 and to see the most challenging one of all, happy and content must be just as enriching…is that a word…for you, as well!
The photos tell it all, especially the last one of her Highness napping with the most relaxed expression on her face!! 🙂
Job well done, Jackie!!