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Archives for September 13, 2013

One track mind

September 13, 2013 by J.B.

Burrito is known for is love of food, but there is one thing that has an even greater power to capture his attention…

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Girls.

Specifically, tumescent girls.

Female chimpanzees have a menstrual cycle that is very similar to humans, but with one important difference: they advertise their fertility. Throughout their 36-day cycle, changes in hormone levels cause visible changes in the skin of the anogenital region. As they approach ovulation, this area swells and the skin becomes taut and pink, a condition known as tumescence. Male chimpanzees find this very attractive and the tumescent females find themselves at the center of a lot of male attention.

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The females’ swellings have great power over the males, like an invisible tractor beam pulling them along. During the lunch forage today, Burrito got so distracted that he barely picked up any food.

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Normally, males would mate more often with the tumescent females. But Burrito doesn’t exhibit normal mating behavior. And sadly, this isn’t all that uncommon in captive chimpanzees.

Many chimpanzees born in laboratories are taken from their mothers shortly after birth, either because their mothers aren’t taking proper care of them (they themselves were probably stolen from their mothers), because hand-reared chimpanzees are seen as easier to manage, or because the labs intend on breeding the mother again shortly (the normal birth interval for chimpanzees is about 5 years, but if the baby is taken away the mother will enter into estrus again within months). Laboratory born chimpanzees are also denied the opportunity to grow up in a traditional social setting, where they would learn from family members, other adults in the community, and their peers.

The result of this unnatural upbringing is a chimpanzee that is culturally adrift and frequently frustrated. Not only do chimpanzees like this lack a knowledge of societal customs and traditions, but even basic biological functions are left undeveloped without opportunities for social learning.

Maybe Burrito doesn’t know what he doesn’t know. He finds other ways to deal with his urges, and life goes on. But it is a daily reminder that so much was stolen from these chimpanzees that they can never recover.

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Filed Under: Burrito, Chimpanzee Behavior Tagged With: Burrito, chimpanzee, cycle, fertiliy, mating, menstrual, northwest, rescue, Sanctuary, tumescence

Thank you, Michael!

September 13, 2013 by Katelyn

Today was sponsored by Michael Lee who wishes for the chimpanzees “to have a stress free day, everyday, to do whatever they desire….even something naughty!” Michael further shared his gratitude for “all those who go out of their way to save the chimps and give them back a life they deserve, who will continue to look out for them and provide for their needs. I wish you all to have good health, and may you continue to be blessed with the joy of knowing that all your effort has not gone unappreciated. On behalf of all the chimps….Thank You.”

Michael, this is so kind and thoughtful of you. And as if that weren’t enough, I would also like to note that today is Michael’s birthday! I cannot think of a more generous thing to do than to honor others on one’s own birthday.  Thank you so much, Michael, and have a wonderful day!

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Filed Under: Caregivers, Sanctuary, Sponsor-a-day, Thanks Tagged With: animal protection, animal rescue, Animal Welfare, chimpanzee rescue, chimpanzee retirement, chimpanzee sanctuary, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, csnw, primate protection, Sanctuary, Sponsor-a-day

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Cle Elum, WA 98922
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509-699-0728
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EIN: 68-0552915

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