I’m finding it hard to piece together things that have happened today at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest into a nice, fluid story. However, there were just a wide assortment of things that happened, that it’s probably best to just showcase them.
Before the clouds came rolling in to give us a nice, cool Spring rain, Willy B did venture outside. He stayed outside for nearly an hour on his own before the sun was swallowed up by the gray clouds. Caregiver Kelsi was able to grab this shot of him soaking up as much sun before it disappeared.
After Willy B went inside, we gave the Group of 7 access to Young’s Hill where first order of business was to patrol their area. Foxie was the first one to race out onto Young’s Hill, but Jody and Missy weren’t far behind.
After their patrol, the staff conducted some positive reinforcement training. Here, J.B. is asking Burrito to show him his foot.
Kelsi asked Negra to open her mouth to get a look inside.
And Anna is giving Jody a grape for showing her hand.
Positive reinforcement training (PRT) is an important tool for caregivers for medical purposes. It allows us to conduct a quick health overview of the individual or to inspect an extremity without the use of anesthesia. Though it is an important tool for us, the chimpanzees sometimes view it as a game.
The PRT session ended right as it began to rain. Listening to raindrops hit the window can drum up the desire to wrap yourself in a blanket, and take a nice afternoon nap. In Honey B’s case, replace “blanket” with “blanket fort.”
The chimpanzees were just served dinner and are enjoying their evening enrichment puzzle. Today’s puzzle is peanut butter in small containers. The idea is for the chimpanzees to fish out the peanut butter using a tool. In this case, Missy is using a chopstick. (My apologies for such a blurry photo.)
For extra stability, she used her foot to hold on the small container.
Foxie, on the other hand, bypassed using chopsticks and just used her fingers.
Now if you please pardon me, I hear raspberries being blown by a certain Burrito Chimpanzee, and I think it’s time for his nightly ice. Good night, everybody!
Thanks for the great blog entry Chad. It brought up so many thoughts/questions.
I wonder how Willy B feels about the fact that, at least for the time being, he has the chance to be alone with his thoughts for probably the first time in his life.
Was there a learning curve for the chimps and the PRT sessions, when the masks went on? Part of the face covered means one aspect of communication is missing.
Does Burrito get morning ice too? I know snow is 1st on the agenda on winter mornings.
Tell Burrito I said hi. That’s my buddy.
thanks, Chad! Is the Big Man going out all on his own now, or does he still need an apple as motivation? Are the Californians doing PRT as well?
Oh Burrito, what a lucky guy receiving ice treats along with his food puzzle. This cracks me up. Do you crush the ice à la snow cone style or does Burrito prefer cubes? Either way, thanks Chad for spoiling my favorite silly boy!
Favorite photo??? The one of Negra with her mouth wide open for Kelsi. Priceless
This is so interesting — as always! I have a question that maybe most everyone else knows, but I don’t, yet. Are the Seven able to see Willy B when he goes outside? And are WB, HB, and M able to see the Seven when they are outside? Thanks so much!