As part of today’s daytime enrichment we pre-made nests for the three groups of chimpanzees. They are clearly capable of making their own nests with the special modifications to meet each of their personal needs, therefore our pre-made nests might not be up to their standards. We won’t get offended if some rearranging and redecorating occurs, if anything it makes for good enrichment. For example, Jamie likes to incorporate boots and books to hers so tomorrow morning we might see some boot or book additions in them. In the wild their night nests are complex and are made by arranging tree branches and lining them with leaves, while their daytime nests are usually closer to the ground and less time consuming. Just in case, we made some in all areas of the enclosures to allow the chimps to pick and choose where they want to rest, after alterations are made. We mostly used blankets and different fabrics to design them today but other days we provide the chimps different materials to make their evening or daytime resting nests like paper, plant material, clothing, silk scarves, etc.
Last week was busy with introductions so as caregivers were making nests in the different enclosures, some had the same thought I had: let’s just lay down here for a bit.
Caregivers Kelsi and Sam testing out some nests in the front rooms.
What do you guys think about this pre-made nest?
This morning I saw Negra nesting while enjoying squash browse that Dr. Erin brought yesterday.
Jamie on one of the pre-made nests caregivers prepared today in the green house.
Annie nesting in the greenhouse. Note how she is holding her hand and foot.
Missy and Jody on the greenhouse platform, Jody arranging blankets for her nest.
Enjoy some extras:
Burrito sitting peacefully on the platform of the greenhouse. Don’t be fooled, this guy does not let us skip our daily cardio.
Foxie in the greenhouse looking straight at the camera.
Honey B chilling in the playroom.
Missy looking towards the hill on this chilly and cloudy day.
Dora about to eat the raisin she successfully retrieved from the raisin board using a chopstick.
Rayne carrying around a chopstick after going through most of the raisin board enrichment.
PS. Check out our Amazon wish-list for a list of books for this years Jamieween celebration!