I have occasionally heard the word “enrichment” defined as items that are given to animals once their basic needs have been met.
In contrast, I think of enrichment as an entire philosophy, not just something extra that we do when our other work is done. For these chimpanzees and all other captive animals, enrichment is a basic need. Although survival would be possible without enrichment, thriving would not. Here at the sanctuary, every aspect of our daily routine, from meal preparation to cleaning, is done with the ultimate goal of keeping the chimpanzees happy and healthy. There is no easy way to group items or activities into “enrichment” or “not enrichment.” We just enrich everything.
In addition to distributing troll dolls, cowboy boots and slinkies, our team designs and builds new structures for the chimpanzees. The way in which we design and furnish the facility is considerate of the chimpanzee’s physical and emotional needs, and we often add or change components of the enclosures to keep the surroundings interesting and functional for the chimps. A great example is the network of firehose “vines” that transects the Playroom, Greenhouse, Hill, and new wing of enclosures. The video posted above shows how Jamie gets to use the firehose however she wants, giving her a greater degree of choice in addition to the obvious security and stability that such additions provide.
We’re also excited to share a photo of a new firehose hammock, modeled by Level III volunteer and CWU graduate student Chad. Several volunteers and interns helped staff and contractors to furnish the chimpanzee areas of the Phase 1 expansion with benches, firehose, hammocks, and ladders. The new hammock is hanging in the upstairs mezzanine enclosure, and will hopefully be enjoyed by the sanctuary’s newest residents once they arrive!
No video posted. 🙁
I fixed that!
They’re so interesting to watch. Looking into their eyes is like looking into my own eyes; seeing how they resolve situations and create new ones is like watching my own brain at work.
ps: Hammocks might be a fine thing??? Negra would never come out!!
I think the reason Neggie doesn’t use the one in the greenhouse is that it’s higher up, near the second level windows, and it might require bracchiating to get there. Not poor Neggie’s forte, alas.
Neggie actually “tightroped” across the vines in the playroom yesterday! Multiple staff members saw her pull off the feat. She surprises us sometimes.
I think Jamie envisioned her firehose vine to work more like a hammock and I am sure she’d appreciate it if Chad would make a snazzy new hammock for her too.
On a serious note, I hear you on the values of enrichment. I volunteer at an animal shelter and even though the residents of a shelter are not the same as those in a sanctuary, shelters need to keep dogs engaged during their stay. Enrichment eases the boredom, anxiety, and frustrations for many animals. It is a great way to include play and/or learning into their daily lives and it’s also a great way for staff and volunteers to interact and connect with a shelter animal. This is even true for your pets at home. Enrichment, in all forms, is a game changer and sometimes a lifesaver.
I thought that was what she was going for, too. I think
they’ve the hammock in the greenhouse.
Poor Jamie! Thinking, “Dude, get that camera off me!” Saying…”of course, I *meant* to do that.”
Yes Anthony, if looks could kill, you’d be a dead man! 🙂
Wonderful post, Anthony! You are an excellent writer and videographer. The music is perfect!
Such an enjoyable post, Anthony!! Thank you so much for it!! The hammock looks wonderful!! Love and hugs to you all…
Priceless video and that LOOK…. …. another wonderful post…. and amazing photo/s video..
Enrichment is what makes a sanctuary… more than just food and board…. being interested and never bored! 🙂 thanks so much to all of you and thanks to the 7 for being such fascinating personalities…
Have you or will you soon be starting to train the new trio so that you can work with them. I’ve gone blank on the term, e.g. for medical tests and so on?
My bet? Hesitant hugs, establishment of hierarchy (Burrito after all won’t give up his spot easily) though it will be tested again and again, and then slowly falling into a new routine. I may be way off but considering how smoothly it’s gone so far and the lack of freak-outs by the seven, I am optimistic.