A common question people ask is if we put pools out for the chimpanzees (particularly in the summer) to sit or swim in. Yes we put out troughs, buckets and small pools of water out for them. However, swimming (or even standing) in shallow water is not something they like to do.
Most chimpanzees avoid water submersion of any type at all cost. Chimpanzees have dense muscular bodies that make them terrible swimmers and really adept sinkers. Perhaps you may have seen water moats carefully designed at zoos and sanctuaries to keep chimpanzees from escaping their enclosures. These moats usually include an additional barrier to prevent the chimpanzees from accidentally falling in the water. There are a few exceptions to this rule of course, but none of those exceptions live at CSNW.
That being said, the chimpanzees at this sanctuary love to enjoy water in other formats.
They love to eat water in its solid form. Here’s Cy:
Jamie in particular likes a good misting:
Here’s Rayne getting hydrated during Gordo’s birthday party earlier this week:
The chimpanzees have access to water spigots in their enclosure 24/7. Here Honey B drinks straight from the tap:
Jamie fills her watering can at the spigot so she can have her beverage “to go”:
Foxie uses a straw to enjoy a drink bucket that’s placed outside her enclosure:
Above you will also find a video of Missy and Burrito “fishing” for sunflower seeds as an afternoon enrichment project. Notice how Missy perches on the edge of the trough and strategically positions herself so she doesn’t get her feet wet.
We are on the edge of a big heat wave coming our way next week so we will certainly be working at keeping the chimps extra hydrated and comfortable in the coming days. Stay cool friends!
the water issue is one I have often remembered from my visits to the zoos across the country……those moats with the reeds provide a comfortable wildlife setting……perhaps a misty shower or hose arrangement out on the hill would be a welcome addition….
I agree ….I often think of them on those warm blankets and I know you don’t have central air so that seems to be warm air being circulated with heavy duty fans ……and with many of them aging it seems like a burden on their systems
I think sometimes they switch to sheets in summer (for Jamie, anyway). And remember those floors that are heated in the winter are cooler in the summer. They’re made to live in the heat
Hi, Anna!
Thanks for the video! She was not about to get those stubby toes wet! :sweat_smile:
I knew the answer was a big NOPE!
Speaking of Nope….I just saw it….there’s a Charla Nash-type story with a chimp-in-entertainment background to it, only with more casualties, that plays kind of an important part in the film. Not sure how I feel about it. One character says “and that’s why you can’t use chimps in entertainment any more, right?” But I feel like it will revive the whole Travis bit. A good movie (cause you know any movie with a horse for a character will end well). But I was thinking of you all…
Thank you Anna for that refreshing, calming video! We are having a heat wave that should end by next week. Just watching this video cooled me down a few degrees.
Thanks for the link to the video of the chimps going into the water. I have seen this but had forgotten all about it. Amazing. Fortunate that the tree vines are above the waterhole for the chimps to hang on to for security.
I recognize that watering hole in the video. One time the bigger males we’re giving a young male a hard time. He came to the watering hole first but got chased out. If I’m remembering that correctly. Good to see here that others got to enjoy it after the older males
on YouTube, the jungle mirrors (self recognition) are pretty funny and interesting to watch.
Oh gosh I remember the heat wave last year when you were transferring the Lucky Six! I was so worried!
You take such wonderful care of them, no matter the season. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
It is so great to see the chimpanzees enjoying a cool down. Do they go fully into the rain at anytime? I was wondering if they get wet in order to clean off or freshen up?
Occasionally they will go out when it’s raining. Mostly Jamie if she is really interested in going for a walk, but not usually in a full downpour. Some chimps like Annie will put water in their mouth and then wash their face 🙂