The chimpanzees continue to spend time playing on/in/and around their newest structure, “Twister.” Jamie loves to investigate the happenings of the neighborhood and finds the vantage from the crow’s nest to be the perfect spot to keep tabs on the locals. She is always interested in whatever is going on at the neighboring ranches (after all it is her job), but she seems particularly vigilant since the recent brush fire she alerted us to.
It may just be a coincidence or she may just be really loving what a great view she has, but Jamie’s been rushing out and climbing up to her lookout in the mornings and loves to spend time up there as a stopping point during her evening walks with her caregivers as well. Whatever the reason, we are so grateful she has one more tower from which to be Queen of the Hill. I kind of feel like she needs a Jolly Roger flag up there.
Kathleen says
These are just the coolest photos! Nice the way the platform works like an umbrella to shade Jamie.
In the last photo, what is that skin-toned mark on her stomach (directly below her hand)? Is she okay?
Katelyn says
Hi Kathleen,
Yes, Jamie’s okay, that’s the skin on her belly. She over-grooms that spot at times. Over-grooming is common in captive chimps and typically develops as a response to boredom and/or stress. We never know for sure what the chimps are thinking and it’s impossible to completely alleviate those scenarios in captivity, but even when they appear to be largely mitigated, the behavior often continues as habit.
Holly says
Does the season make any difference on Jamie’s over grooming spot on her belly? Ex,,, is it more prominent when its too cold to go outside? Giving her less options for enrichment of the view, climbing etc outside. Or does the level of enrichment make no difference? Thanks for your time.
Katelyn says
Hi Holly,
Great question, thanks for asking! I’m going to share our response to a similar question we had on Facebook:
We wish it were that simple because it would be much easier for us to treat 🙂 We would never deny that captive chimpanzees experience boredom, even in the best facilities, but Jamie will groom her belly even while sitting at the top of her exciting new structure, or after a dozen patrols of her 2-acre habitat. In reality, stereotypical behaviors are both a reflection of the current environment and a deeply ingrained pattern of behavior developed in response to a lifetime of experiences. Jamie picked one entire side of her chest and belly during her decades in the lab. Now, she picks at a much smaller patch from time to time. We try to be as open and honest about things like this as possible, and we hope that the discussions can lead to a better understanding about chimpanzees and their lives in captivity both here at the sanctuary and elsewhere.
Mary says
Glad to see something new that has given her something new to focus on. Captivity is hard on anyone.
Francoise says
Obviously, you guys did a fabulous job with the crow’s nest! I can understand why she wants to hang out there.