Most chimpanzees are not known for holding on to their favorite foods for very long. If dessert was an option, they would insist that it come first. Negra will reluctantly fill her hands with vegetables she is willing to eat, but caregivers know that she has food priorities she is waiting for. Jamie will gesture emphatically until you have served her favorite food items first and then will sometimes accept her least favorite items at the end of the meal. Missy will nod her head quickly to request more of the food she loves (usually tomatoes). Burrito will often begin to play with caregivers as a way of communicating that he isn’t interested in something and it’s time to move on with meal service. Each of the chimps make it very clear what they want and when they want it, it’s just a matter of paying attention.
Yesterday, Jamie saved her least favorite item from lunch, her carrot, until it was the last thing she ate.
So happy for them – that they get to make choices and show their preferences! 😀 <3 <3
So much like us!
So I guess if you gave Negra her night bag first, dinner would take a back seat altogether?! How lucky you are to know these seven chimpanzee so well, I envy you. Thanks for paying attention to their every need.
I suppose it is totally natural that you and the chimps communicate so easily, as you are together all the time. I was amused by the little video of the fireman who was gobsmacked when he stopped on the stroll around the grounds, and Jamie clearly indicated that he was to get a move on. He just could not believe it, yet she bosses you guys around from morning til night. Love the pix, and love the stories.
I too, Cynthia, loved how Jamie gestured to the fireman to move on when he stopped on the walk around. I bet he will never forget that experience.
Jamie seems especially clear about what she wants and when she wants it.
It always amazes me how so like us the chimpanzees are. Or perhaps better said, how so like them are humans. When I used to eat meat, it was the bacon. Like Negra, I would save it for last. And then my brother would steal a piece. Maybe I should have thrown a chimp fit! That would have kept him in line.
Hmm? Maybe Jamie would like the carrot sauteed in olive oil, or spiced with herbs. I trust that the chef in her employ can device some savory treat (I hope that they are getting an ample supply of fruit: apples, peaches, grapes, nanners, etc.).