At CSNW, the day begins with breakfast in the greenhouse. This morning, graduate student Lisa observed Diana serving as part of her caregiver training.
Meals are often served directly, as Diana demonstrates in this video.
They can also be spread out as a forage, placed in food puzzles, or done in some combination of the above. Serving individually enables us to give medications, ensures that everyone gets their fair share, and allows us to pick up on slight changes in eating behavior that might indicate changes in their health.
The chimps are usually patient and cooperative during meals, though food-stealing does occur and fights do occasionally break out. Notice how the chimps change positions and try to get Diana’s attention to get more of their favorite foods – it takes a lot of practice to be able to remember who’s been served and how much!
At one point you will see Annie “crutch walk” in the greenhouse. Chimpanzees sometimes scoot around on extended arms with their butts and legs still in a seated position. It’s an efficient way to get around if you’re not going far!
After breakfast, the chimps take to Young’s Hill and look forward to exploring, playing, grooming, and many more meals and snacks to come.
Loved seeing this and it really gives me a window into your world! Thank you so much!! Love and hugs to all…
Who was giving a Bronx cheer?
It’s usually Foxie giving the Bronx cheers. Others bang on the caging (everyone), waive their fingers (Jody), clack their teeth on the caging (Negra), or shake their heads furiously (Missy and Foxie).
Thanks for the video, makes me want to eat a juicy plum! Fun seeing everyone all lined up from the backside. And thanks for pointing out Annie’s crutch walk, that had me chuckling. Mornings must be getting brisk, I am assuming you will soon be shuttering-up their greenhouse for winter.
Yes, it’s about that time. The days are warm and beautiful but the mornings do start out brisk!
I have now watched this video a few times (and I loved it every time!). I am always amazed at how quiet the chimps can be. Case in point, as they slide downstairs ready for breakfast and even as they maneuver for positions in the chow line, always appearing peaceful and quiet (with a Bronx cheer tossed in here and there of course!), waiting their turns, moving about as if they walk on tippy toes.
I so enjoy seeing their daily lives and how they respond to your care.
I am so very happy they are finally “at home”.
All that cuddliness all in a row, wish I could I just love them so. Your care for them touches me deeply so that kyou