If you are new to the blog, something we write about often is the chimpanzees’ enrichment. One of the biggest challenges we face with captive chimpanzees (and all animals really) is keeping their intelligent and active minds busy. In the wild chimpanzees are busy patrolling large territories, foraging for food and navigating the dynamics of large families. So even the best captive situation cannot provide the mental stimulation chimps receive in their natural wild lives.
We have two calendars in the chimp house, one for daytime enrichment and one for evening enrichment. Daily enrichment is given a theme such as “blue things,” “troll scarves,” or “beach day” and is really to help us caregivers think outside the box a bit and keep things interesting for the chimps by presenting their enrichment in different ways each day. Evening enrichment is provided each evening after dinner and consists of some kind of food puzzle which keeps the chimps engaged in an activity as we close up the chimp house for the night.
Today’s enrichment theme was “giant pile” day meaning we deposited all of the chimps’ toys, activities and blankets into a giant mountain of a pile in the playroom after cleaning. Jamie was thrilled and promptly took over the entire pile (much to Negra’s chagrin who was sitting above her on the catwalk, looking disgusted with the humans’ “bright idea,” waiting for the opportunity to steal some blankets away for her nest).
But the boss lady had no shame in making the coziest nest ever (with 30 blankets) and loved being able to check everything of interest all within arm’s reach. She spent some quality time relaxing with her beloved boot, reading her new books, and occasionally glancing outside the barn doors to this beautifully peaceful spring day.
As I gaze at these photos Jamie allowed me to take I can’t help but think of the past she, and all the chimps, came from and the contrast of their lives now. What must it feel like for them to be at peace? To be surrounded by comfort, love and respect? To spend their time doing what feels best to each of them? The look of well-being and contentment and the light in Jamie’s eyes speaks volumes. And it makes my heart sing for her.
Absolutely beautiful photos of Jamie. They show so clearly her intelligence and beauty. I hope she finally shared some blankets with Negra.
Katelyn, you are such a gifted writer. I FEEL all the observations you’re making, & feeling too! Such Beautiful expressions you share!! Thank you!!
Thank you so much, Maggie, that’s very kind of you. We are always so happy when something we write helps others to connect with the chimpanzees – we so love sharing their lives with you. 🙂
She looks so happy, so alert, so nice to stretch out..THANK you for providing them a lovely life after so much horrible abuse.
I have been meaning to say the blog writings are beautiful! You folks at the sanctuary are multi talented. Thank you to all the humans that keep the sanctuary humming.
Thank you, Mary! We love sharing the chimps’ moments and lives with all of you!
Seeing Jamie in these wonderful photos makes it so very hard for me to image the sharp contrast of her past life. Jamie is so full with simply being herself it sparks from her heart to her eyes! “I am!” her eyes say. Photos 1, 3, 6 & 7 are so precious.
Did Negra get any blankets out of the pile after all?
A lovely post Katelyn, thank you.
Hi Kathleen,
No, Neggie never got any of the blankets and eventually gave up and retired to the toasty greenhouse for the afternoon. She’s all tucked into a cozy nest for the evening now though (we put out additional blankets after dinner). Of course, we would make sure everybody had blankets if someone else decided to keep them all. 🙂
30 blankets, a book, AND a boot? Heaven!
So soulful! Thank you! This makes my day.
How sweet. I can’t even imagine the horrible life they had.
Katelyn, your last paragraph said it all. “…the look of well being & contentment and the light in Jaimie’s eyes speaks volumes…” My heart is signing along with you . Thank you for an excellent post & truly heart felt captured pictures.
Warms my heart to see her so content and safe – well done!
Beautiful pictures! It’s wonderful to know the chimps now have a life of comfort, peace and love! Thank you to all people that make this possible.
This ranks very high on my list of favorite posts. I still love the one with the slinky on the foot like a boot of one of the chimps a while back. I am amazed at the concentration as Jamie looks at the book–its almost as if she were reading it. I remember the post where one of them got agitated over something in a similar book, pointing fiercely at it and then solving the problem of THE SNAKE BY RIPPING OUT THE PAGE. How like a human they all are. I hope someday I will get to know their names and their little quirks like so many of your readers do but I am pretty new to this site. I agree with one of the above people who complimented all of you caretakers with your WRITING SKILLS.
Thanks so much for following the chimps, Elaine! We’re so happy to have you here and glad you enjoy the posts. We love sharing their lives with everyone! And that was also Jamie who reacted to the snake in the book. 🙂
Elaine, welcome to the ranks of the addicted! Very soon you will not be able to start or end your day without a visit to the blog. Indeed in the very rare event that there is not a daily post I miss it like my morning coffee (and it’s so much more pleasurable) but then I think to myself “it must be a terribly busy day at the sanctuary, I hope all is okay.”
Cheers.
Beautiful pictures. I love how she holds the boot like a doll as she is reading and looking like she is going to sleep. Everyone there does a great job making sure all the chimps are happy and well cared for. Thank you for making their life full of joy and happiness.
AWESOME! AWESOME! 30 blankets! What a great bedtime for Jamie. She looks so relaxed, enjoying her book, blankets and boots. All I can say is awesome and good on you guys for such a creative (and obviously enjoyable) bedtime event! More exclamation marks !! for good measure. Thanks for all you do, and with such heart.
P.S. Hopefully Missy and the others will get in on the next one. 🙂
Oh to have a giant pile all to myself! Wonderful pics!!!
So Jamie prevents the other six from approaching or touching anything in the pile? In this case, did she have to threaten the others to keep them away or did they know they are not allowed and stay away? Is she more likely to allow a friend/ally, like Foxie or Missy, access to the pile than an enemy/rival like Negra or Jody?