Chimps fight a lot, and occasionally they get wounded. Serious injuries are treated under the direction of a veterinarian, but we leave the smaller stuff to Missy.
Archives for July 2014
For the Love of Nesting
We talk a lot about transformations we’ve seen in the chimpanzees since they arrived at the sanctuary six years ago, both physical and behavioral. But one thing that hasn’t changed about Jody is her love of a good nest. From day one, Jody has made use of every last blanket we’ve provided to build big, soft nests multiple times a day. I’m not sure anything gives her more pleasure.
We included lots of paper in today’s enrichment, and Jody was happy to incorporate it into her morning nest in the playroom.
Jody has her own style
As many of you know, Jody has lounging in comfort down to a fine art. She is a woman who feels very comfortable in her own skin and always knows exactly what she wants. It brings us so much joy to see how self-assured she is. Yesterday Jody chose to make a nest in the chimpanzees’ plastic turtle wading pool while enjoying the view from the barn doors and Lisa was able to get some photos:
We try to provide the chimpanzees with a variety of enrichment each day and it’s their choice to use it as they please, or ignore it. Jody, and all of the chimps, are so creative and unique with their choices and it’s always a joy to see what they come up with. Today Jody has enjoyed wearing a rainbow sock on her foot and has somehow managed to keep it on all day:
I love this lady’s style.
Today is for Kelly Donovan!
Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Robert Hill in honor of Kelly Donovan! Robert shared this very kind message:
“We are both animal lovers and have the utmost respect for the work of CSNW!”
Robert, what a thoughtful thing to do! We are thrilled to have your and Kelly’s support. Thank you so much for caring about the chimpanzees and including them in your special day for Kelly! From all of the human and non-human primates here at CSNW, we hope you have a beautiful day, Kelly!
Jody enjoying a forage on Young’s Hill:
Mr. Charming
I think it is widely known that Burrito is quite the charmer, as you can see in these photos below:
He seems to lack some grace while dismounting the treat rock, but that just adds to his charm:
Today is for Ned and Noreen O’Flaherty
Today was sponsored by Joan O’Flaherty in memory of her parents, Ned and Noreen O’Flaherty, and their anniversary. Ned and Noreen shared a great love for animals, as well as environmental and conservation issues and Joan feels they would have loved the chimpanzees. Joan, we are so touched and honored that you choose to remember your parents and what they held dear by helping the chimpanzees. Thank you so much for thinking of the chimps in such a special way!
Best friends, Missy and Annie:
Fun with Water
Yesterday someone asked whether the chimpanzees like to use water to cool off. The answer, as it often is, is both yes and no. Yes, the chimpanzees do enjoy water, quite a lot in fact! But, no, they don’t really jump in the pool to cool off. Rather than hanging out in water they prefer to use water to cool off in other ways. For example, bottled water can be a fun treat, drinks from the hose are a daily favorite, and ice cubes are a rarer treat but greatly appreciated nevertheless. Water can also be useful, for cleaning faces, or cleaning other things.
Today’s weather forecast called for heat in the ninties with little wind and a lot of humidity. Thanks in part to yesterday’s question I considered filling things up with water to be a great enrichment idea for the day. The chimpanzees appeared to appreciate it as well!
Negra:
Missy:
Jody:
Jamie:
Foxie:
Burrito, however, chose to get his water from the spigot instead!
