When people ask us what our job involves here in the chimp house, of course we talk about the relationships we have with the chimps, cleaning, and meal / enrichment prep. What often doesn’t make the list, or at least not my list, is laundry. Our laundry machines are full time employees here at CSNW, working about 8 hours every day. You might ask- why do you have so much laundry? Good question. The answer, short and sweet, is blankets.
We provide both groups of chimps with enough for everyone to have at least ten blankets. Some people use these blankets for play (ahem, Burrito), but most often they are used for nesting. Chimpanzees, both in captivity and the wild, build nests for sleeping. In wild populations, chimpanzees will build nests from branches (sometimes from more than one tree) by weaving them together. They will also use leaves in their nests. Captive chimpanzees are provided blankets to support this species typical behavior and everyone has their own unique preferences!
While some individuals don’t spend a lot of time nesting, they are given the choice to do what they want and some choose to sleep in extravagant nests (Negra), on top of a few simple blankets (Burrito), or without blankets around at all (Foxie). Some also include other items in their nests, which always makes it interesting for caregivers the next day during cleaning! 🙂
Check out today’s video for more!
In other news, tomorrow is a big day- it’s Giving Day for Apes! If you receive our e-newsletter, then you already saw Diana’s email about it (if you’re not subscribed and you would like to be, click here). Diana said it best-
“Tomorrow is Giving Day for Apes, a big day for sanctuaries and rescue centers across the world caring for apes. We are already behind in this competition, and we could use your help!
Make a donation now AND during the 3-4pm PT / 6-7pm ET Power Hour tomorrow.
During that hour, thanks to a generous and loyal donor, all donations up to $15,000 will be matched, plus you’ll put us in the running for additional prizes given to the organization with the most unique donations during that hour (your donation will count as unique even if you gave previously).”
Big things have been happening here at CSNW over the last few years, and it’s all thanks to our generous donors and supporters. Now we’re asking you to help us give both groups of chimps new outdoor areas- which is particularly special, as this will be the first time the Lucky Six (who arrived last year from Wildlife Waystation) will be outside in an open-air enclosure. Thank you in advance for your support!
Annie: in a greenhouse nest that used to be Negra’s, then was Burrito’s at breakfast, and now it is hers!
Burrito:
Dora:
Honey B:
Lucky:
Terry:
Linda C says
And not to mention The Shredder!
Is it really taking that sore spot on Lucky’s mouth that long to heal?!
Linda C says
Lol, why do I get the feeling that Jamie then got up to come over and tell you that she REALLY did not want to be on camera today!?
Lucy’s story is getting a lot of mileage–at least since Christmas last year!
Here’s a quick question–I bought several sets of fleece blankets when The Shredder was doing her thing. I bought them to tie them together, making them double (for warmth, thinking of Neggie) and to make them less easy to shred. I only sent one, because I wanted to make sure that the knots or double thickness didn’t bug the chimps. I haven’t ever seen it, so should I tie the remaining four into 2? or just finish the edges to make four?
Penelope Yungblut says
I loved this blog and all blogs which describe chimp behavior, like nesting. Fascinating to ewatch Dora build her nest. I would have the contrast of a picture of Foxie with no nest, what does that look like? No bslnket at all, she just lies on the floor? I bet she has some dolls with her!
Linda C says
She does…just on the floor or a bench. but yes to the dolls!
Kathleen says
Next to meal time, nest time might be my favorite thing to observe. Dora’s technique was interesting. 1 cup –check. 1 block — check. Both pulled from her trusty little box!
Like Linda stated, Ms. Jamie was not appreciating the paparazzi disturbing her privaye before-snooze-reading-time! Message received loud and clear!! :laughing: (btw: two “Lucy” books, along with some other Wish List goodies, coming your way for Jamieween!)
Good luck meeting your donation goal tomorrow during Giving Day for Apes! I’ll be tracking the leaderboards cheering you on!!
Julie Medrano says
Awesome photography!!! Chimp personalities are really captured!!
Tobin says
I wish the sweetest of dreams to these dear friends of ours. May Negra’s dreams take her to the land of dancing peanuts.
marianne says
Has de direction ( J.B.) ever thought of placing solarpanels on that now expanded roof in order to use less expensive power from the grid?? ( and to be good to the planet??)
It would save a lot of money in the long run, if your washingmachines and driers are running 8 hours a day.?