Negra isn’t exactly a morning person, so it’s always a surprise to see her without a blanket over her head when we first arrive at the sanctuary. This morning, half her face seemed to be still drooping with sleep and she had some serious bed head:
The sight of staff caregiver Katelyn arriving (with some fresh strawberries in tow) was just the boost she needed to start her day:
I have a few questions about the chimps: 1. Do they have actual beds (such as my dog uses) or do they make nests (with blankets? Something else?) & do they sleep in the same place each night? Do they sleep alone or cuddle with each other? 2. Do they take baths with water or is the grooming that we see the only cleaning they do? 3. How do they care for their teeth? Is this what chimps
in the wild also do? Do they need special medical care, vitamin supplements, etc.
because they don’t live in the wild? Thank you! I am in awe of the chimps and all that you do! â¤ï¸
I have a few answers to those questions!
1. The chimps make nests primarily out of the blankets that we provide them with. The chimps seem to have favorite spots to sleep, but have been known to move around throughout the night and day from one bed to the next. They will sleep mainly in their own nests, but often they will build nests next to each other.
2. They do not take baths, just groom for cleanliness. Annie will wash her face with water though.
3. We don’t give the chimps processed sugar, so that helps limit the dental work they need. We also give them a cavity fighting gum to chew pretty regularly. If a tooth needs to be pulled (we had to pull one of Burrito’s teeth after it broke a few years ago), we have to put them under anesthesia and our veterinary care team handles it in our onsite vet clinic. Burrito, the only male in the group, has a heart condition (which is common in captive apes). We treat him with a combination of heart meds, healthy diet and exercise. All the chimps take a chewable multi vitamin, probiotic, and fiber to supplement their primarily fresh produce diets.
Thanks for wanting to know more about the chimps! I encourage you to explore our blog and Facebook page to learn more about their daily lives!
Colleen Freiman, I’m glad you asked all those questions. I wonder about all that, too.
Negra might like breakfast served in bed? 🙂
This appears to be the sequel to the video, “Good Morning, Neggie!”, but with a strawberry conclusion.
Sleepy Bed Head Negra, what could be better. Hooting Negra perhaps. 😘