As many of you all know, there are many different ways to enrich a chimp’s life. And here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest we have many different forms. We provide toys that the chimps like, blankets for nesting, food puzzles, and forages. We try really hard to find the chimps favorite items such as boots/books for Jamie, dolls for Foxie, wooden blocks for Burrito, Slinkies for Willy B, and etc. We also try to have their favorite produce, but also make sure they have a variety so they do not get bored of what they eat! Most importantly, we provide an outdoor area for the chimps to go outside. To see the chimps run freely and see no bars above their heads is Sanctuary to me and I hope them too.
As you will see in the video Anthony moved a giant mirror from the Greenhouse to the Mezzanine. We knew Willy B, Honey B, and Mave liked looking at themselves through our phones and cameras, not unlike us, it is natural for us to look at ourselves while we pass a mirror. Just as we thought the three loved it! It even makes a great displaying tool! Honey B spent a lot of time looking into it, climbing on it, and swinging it around. The other section in the video is of the seven chimps walking around the perimeter outside on Saturday. Jamie and Burrito lead the walk, Missy sprints to catch up, eventually Foxie joins at the last leg of the walk, and it ends with Jamie and Foxie chasing each other down the Hill. I quietly finish the walk with Burrito. I was reflecting on that walk and I am so thankful to see the chimps exploring their outdoor area and looking so carefree. Whenever I see Burrito walking around the Hill it warms my heart that he has healed so well and all the girls will walk around with him.
Snow in the winter is another great way to enrich the chimps! Last night it dumped snow, when I went to open Young’s Hill for the seven this morning the chimps ran out to grab snow.
Negra:
Burrito:
Little Foxie:
Annie:
Jean Martin Zbinden says
Are there any trees on Young’s Hill they can climb up?
Linda C says
No, mostly structures, bit they’re still not going out. So they did this to make their lives more exciting
Julie says
I volunteered at the Calgary Zoo no chimps but gorillas Each had a different personality and enjoyed interacting with us in different ways Caroline the 40 yr oldest female enjoyed a form of 3 card monte Using papers cups and a treat under one she would watch as we switched them around and used a stick to point to the correct one and get treat when we lifted it up She never guessed wrong The 2 yr old female was crazy over makeup and loved getting lipstick applied to her The 9 year old male loved getting visits from other animals which we showed him on his window in the outdoor section his favourite was Sarah the binturong who he would examine intently when she walked up and down the window ledge
Linda C says
Oh,what an experience!
I’m jelly, Julie!
Tobin says
I am so glad that the chimpanzees have more snow to savor. Although I think that Annie didn’t see her shadow on Ground Ape Day (thus indicating an earlier springtime), it is too early for the snow to have melted away from Young’s Hill. Ah, if only human primates had not/were not disorienting the climate…
Kathleen says
What a great idea, Mave, Honey B, and Willy B seem to really enjoy the mirror. Interesting how Willy B used his wrist/back of hand to tap the surface. I am curious about Willy B starting his display then Mave makes all the noise as she bounces (hops!) over and puts an end to his displaying. Lots of fun seeing all three enjoying the new enrichment. And like you Kelsi, seeing the chimps roaming freely outside is a special part of what sanctuary is all about for me too. Loved the little huddle at the top of the hill. Sweet. Looks as if our dear boy Mr. B has a limp? But he looks terrific out there!
Linda C says
I asked on YT if Willy B had recognized himself…the ladies obviously did. Either that, or he went full rock star on himself! (“I gotta kiss myself, I’m so pretty!”).
The bit of reassurance at the top of the hill is indeed sweet. Come to think of it, we don’t see Mr B run on the hill that much, do we? He tends to patrol more slowly….
And all of them patrolling, to protect the Queen, who stays safe inside the castle….
Kelsi says
Hi Linda. Willy definitely does recognize himself! Burrito does go on the Hill quite a bit. I would say Jamie or Missy get more use of it. But Burrito is going around more slowly cause he is still building his strength back up! Which is why it is so exciting to see him go around with all the girls.
Linda C says
Thanks, Kelsi. I just meant that the ones who usually run up the hill are Jamie and Missy. I don’t think I’ve seen Bubba *run* on the hill since his birthday a year or 2 ago. But yes, I noticed his leg moving a bit differently
Nancy Brown says
Watching Mave, Honey B ,and Willy B react to the mirror was so funny! Made me laugh and smile.
Lucinda A says
Fantastic enrichment! Great study on self-recognition.