In free-living situations, chimpanzees build night nests in the forest canopy. They make these platform-like nests out of branches and leaves. At the sanctuary, most of the chimps build nests out of the fresh clean blankets that caregivers set out for them each morning after we finish scrubbing and squeegeeing their enclosures. Our trusty washing machine works overtime all day, everyday, as we wash the previous day’s 70 dirty blankets! Since there is no threat from a predator at the sanctuary, the chimpanzees can choose wherever they like (high or low) to build their nests. Interestingly enough, I’ve never seen the chimps nest out on Young’s Hill, so they must feel (understandably) that the added security of the covered enclosures is better suited for lounging in bed. In addition to blankets, the Cle Elum 7 will also incorporate other enrichment items such as toys or natural fibers like hay and grass. The other night I watched Negra eating some cattails in the center of her evening bed. After getting her fill, she tucked them for safe keeping into the folds of her nest. Midnight snack perhaps?
On scorching hot days like today, the chimps find cool places to nest in the shady indoor areas. Here’s Jamie beating the heat in a fresh nest she chose to build on the playroom floor:
Since there is no threat from a predator at the sanctuary? But what about those sneaky snakes Anna?! No wonder the chimps might prefer the safety of sleeping inside. ; )
Do the chimps have favorite places where they choose to build their daytime and nighttime nests or do they mix it
up all the time? It seems like I see Jamie nesting at the base of the stairs often, like in these photos,. Is it a favorite place for Jamie or just a good position to be in because it’s central and let’s face it, no one can go up or down without passing her making it a smart position for the Boss? ……She sure does look comfortable!
They all do seem to have general favorite places to nest, depending on the time of day, and some of it’s seasonal. Annie likes to build a nice evening nest in the greenhouse when the weather is nice, and we find Negra out there almost every morning unless it’s really chilly!