Pumpkin seeds are a regular part of the chimps’ diets. Earlier this summer we noticed that several seeds had gone unnoticed and sprouted into full pumpkin plants on the grassy floor of Greenhouse 2. We’ve been admiring the vines’ growth as they’ve spread out and blossomed remarkably well. Also to our amazement, the chimpanzees have been ignoring the foliage (if Jody’s group lived there we are certain the plants would never have made it this far).
However, as Sam reminded me the other day, pumpkin spice season has already begun. Almost on cue with the yearly debut of the autumn flavored latte, we caught Gordo and Dora snacking on pumpkin leaves in Greenhouse 2 this morning. Perhaps this is a trendy new way to enjoy an old seasonal favorite?
Dora (in a box):
Gordo:
It looks like Gordo is playing one of those leaf tunes. (blowing into a leaf)
Well, why not!? Serendipity!
But it makes me think, Diana…when you guys do cook the mini squashes/pumpkins, do you ever put some cinnamon on there for them? Would they like it?
We’ve tried the occasional spice to foods but in general, the chimps do seem to prefer things plain and non-spiced.
hi, Anna!
That’s funny….I think cinnamon makes lots of things better!
Oh wow, how cool is that?! And it is even flowering, right? Bright yellow flower in the header pic.
Just yesterday I happen to notice that the sweet potato in my countertop veggie bowl had begun to sprout, and I had the thought of putting it in a jar with toothpick holders to see if I could get a vine going. I made sweet potato fries instead. Yum!
Lovely pics with lovely lighting.
Who is in the headline pic?
I think that is Dora.
that picture is AMAZING!
It is indeed Li’l Dora
Cracks me up to think that big creeping vine with those massive leaves, and the flowering bloom, exhisted that long before being eaten! Farmer Jo would have made quick work of it at the initial sprouting of the seedling. I do like Dora’s style of eating the leaves while sitting in her custom box chair. It’s just wonderful, all of it.
THIS IS THE SAME BUNCH WHO WOULD NOT WALK ON THE GRASS A MONTH AGO…!!
And now, alas, they have a reason to do so!
All of these photographs are beautiful, but that top picture of Dora is first amongst equals.
She seems quite content with her morning treat.
Yes! That top pic made it’s way to my chimp e-album. The best of the best reside there.
I am happy to see that your pumpkins are groing; I had 40 odd beatiful seeds growing from seed into young plant. I planted them in my garden with ingeniously designed framework to grow up against. Witin a week they had ALL been eaten by slugs, due to the very rainy start of our summer this year….Nothing grew except spuds….I have a whole load of spuds, nothing else. Very disapointing.
Good to know that in the right conditions it still works. Gives me hope.
Love Dora bursting out of her box. And I am so happy to Gordo doing well.
I love Fall as the chimps also do. Pumpkin Latte is the best so I can understand how much they just love pumpkin leaves etc. I’m sure the pumpkins will be loved once they come.
They have their own garden! who knows what will be sprouting in the spring! Grass in the greenhouse was a great idea, I’m sure they are loving it.