Chimpanzees have rich imaginary lives. Chimps who use American Sign Language have been observed signing to inanimate objects and engaging them as if they were live social partners. For example, a chimpanzee named Dar was once seen signing “tickle” to a stuffed bear that he was playing with. I personally recall (and will never, ever forget) watching a chimpanzee named Moja don a curly blonde wig and look at herself in the mirror while signing “pretty” to her reflection.
Foxie was never taught sign language, but language isn’t a requirement for imaginary play.
Nor is imaginary play limited to chimpanzees raised in human environments. In the wild, young chimpanzees have been seen carrying sticks as rudimentary dolls and caring for them as if they were their own offspring. Are they simply expressing a desire to be more grown up? Could it be an instinctual form of practice to prepare them for motherhood? Whatever the motivation, it is probably not much different than our own.
What’s so interesting about Foxie is that the objects of her imaginary play are often not chimpanzee-like at all. Foxie is occasionally given chimpanzee dolls but she rejects them in favor of Troll dolls or Dora the Explorer dolls. And when she plays with Dora, she treats her more as a human than as a chimp. Note how she stands Dora bipedally (on two legs) instead of quadrupedally like a chimpanzee, even though Dora would stand upright just as well on all fours.
We can never truly know what a chimpanzee is thinking, but we certainly know that they are thinking. And imaginary play gives us a tantalizing peek into what those thoughts might be.
Will you ever have a time again when the public can see the chimps ?
Hi Connie – Yes, we will conduct a small visitor program again next summer. Keep an eye on our website (About Us –> Visiting the Sanctuary) for details. We will announce dates in the spring. Hope you can join us!
J.B., Utterly fascinating post. Thank you. The pictures so clearly show that Foxie is engaging with Dora. Looks no different than children playing with dolls, toy soldiers, posing them in various positions while they pretend, create a story, just admire lovingly. How I would love to have seen that. Tell me, for how long was she playing like this? Can never tell from the photos.
Hi Francoise – She spent about 20 minutes playing with Dora on top of the tower. Missy and Annie were on the same structure with her for most of that time, but Foxie preferred her alone time with Dora.
Yes, this is a fascinating post. The photos are beautiful too, appears as if Foxie and Dora are on the top of the world. I was touched by the photos where Foxie stands Dora on the ledge and then gets down below to look up at her friend Dora as Dora takes in the expansive view up there all by herself. I can almost imagine what Foxie is thinking in that photo. Beautiful and touching, thank you.