As we mentioned on the Facebook page yesterday, sometimes the daily routine fluctuates, and as caregivers we have to be pretty flexible depending on the choices the chimps make. Typically though, we do have a regular schedule. First we invite the chimpanzees in for breakfast—and as long as everybody comes in, one person (the Care staff or Level III volunteer) will serve breakfast while the other person (the Lead Caregiver) will start cleaning the playroom. We never enter an enclosure at the same time as the chimpanzees, so we have to ensure that all the chimps are out of the room we want to clean, and that every chimp door is secure. We do this for cleaning the playroom, front rooms, and the greenhouse. (To see what cleaning is like, watch this video from a couple years ago). Today things followed the regular routine, which you’ll see in the video below.
Linda (Portland, OR) says
What great timing. The last week or so I had been wondering about daily routines, etc. This was perfect. Lots of cleaning going on for sure!
LOVED the part of the video where Mr. B held his finger against the glass while he was drinking. He is so endearing to all of us!
Thx Debbie!!
Julie H says
That was a great look into their daily routine. As a blog reader I always wondered what their day was like. Now as a volunteer it is nice to see how their day starts since I’m there at the end of their day. Thanks, Debbie!!
Carrie says
Easily the most enviable job in the world!
Marcia says
Delightful video, Debbie, thank you. Loved seeing them file into the room to find their nut forage!!
Martin Bergmann says
I would really like to work there, too , or at least come for a visit. Unfortunately Germany is not just around the corner… I observed that one of the chimps was spitting water towards the caregiver. I saw this behaviour before and I wonder: Is that just a way to communicate, or play or has it something to do with their long incarceration in the laboratory. Traumatic experiences with some humans perhaps?
Debbie says
Great question, Martin. Actually, a lot of captive chimps spit water at humans, regardless of their background. In this video, Burrito banged and spit water as I was moving a door, and this is something he does quite often. Although I can’t get inside their minds, I believe that they probably do it to get some type of reaction. Also, Foxie will sometimes spit playfully.