Chimpanzees naturally use tools in free-living Africa. One common example of tool use is “ant fishing” or “termite fishing” — when a chimpanzee takes a stick and dips it into an ant or termite mound to gather up some tasty insects. At CSNW, we have a simulated termite board which we fill with things captive chimpanzees enjoy, such as fruit puree or peanut butter.
As part of our sanctuary philosophy, we strive to allow for “species specific” chimpanzee behavior. This can involve providing adequate space and climbing structures for a natural behavior like brachiation, and it can also include providing enrichment that allows them to use their instinctual chimp behaviors, such as nesting or tool use.
The other day, Jackie and I presented the chimpanzees with a puzzle: how to get drinks from buckets outside the caging. They quickly grabbed hoses to use for tools, as you’ll see in the video.
Mr. B using a tool???? Oh, yes, there was food involved.
LOL, Denice! Don’t you just love his enthuiasm for food?
They are so smart — it must be a fun challenge to keep them stimulated all the time! Do you guys have one of those boards with holes in it, to fill with food or peanut butter that simulates digging for termites like they do in the wild?
Dawn, yes we do have a couple “termite” boards for yummy treats that captive chimps enjoy. Above I linked to a previous blog post about these boards, but in case that didn’t work here it is: https://chimpsnw.org/2010/09/termite-board/
awww, they look so cute sucking on their straws.