Chimpanzees are very curious by nature. They love to investigate and understand things, both in captivity and the wild. You can see that in action in Sunday’s blog where Honey B was able to figure out how to get the hose as well as yesterday’s blog of Cy’s group watching J.B. put together a new scale and Missy inspecting the tree roots. Curiosity is one of the many things I love about chimpanzees and my job because I get to see it in action. It is also one of the many reasons why chimpanzees (and all primates) should not be pets or used for entertainment. (I have been preparing a blog to tackle that subject, so more on that later.)
When I look into the eyes of someone like Jamie or Honey B, I always throw myself into the rabbit hole of trying to figure out what wheels are turning behind those eyes.
For instance, there was this from today.
What was going on through Jamie’s mind when she was trying to shove a plastic tube through the barrier that separates both groups? Was she trying to attack them with it? Was she trying to sneak them some contraband enrichment? Did she just want to groom them?
Or even the confidence level someone like Jamie has. To me, there is a lot of mental calculation to be had to just leave your breakfast on the windowsill to go find some more food someone left behind possibly, and be confident that nobody will try to steal it.
Or Burrito’s new favorite reality show, “The Neighbors” starring Cy and friends. Burrito spends a lot of time at the window trying to get a glimpse of his neighbors, even using a mirror to get a better angle on those hard to see areas of the chute.
He also will almost systematically go to the window at the same time in the afternoon everyday and nothing can pry him from his seat. This is usually around the time either Willy B or Gordo begin their afternoon displays and rouse things up in their group, which more often than not now will make it’s way into the chute.
The minds of chimpanzees are fascinating, which help make them such an fascinating species overall to me.
Just some random thoughts I had about today as I was doing some Chimp House chore and finding these hints of goings on they were getting themselves into earlier on in the day.
I will end it with Rayne laying on the firehose reaching for her breakfast being served.
Linda C says
That’s a cool angle on that last shot, Chad!
I’ve often thought the leaving the chow, etc around is pretty bada#$ of Jamie. Especially in that video where she’s playing with Foxie, and has some chow just lying around waiting for her. Burrito comes in, steals a piece, and Foxie throws her buddy under the bus by calling him out!
Lord knows what Jamie was thinking by putting the tubing into the howdy door…but to further your point, do you know that it was Jamie who did it, or just assume, bc that’s “her” nesting area/it’s such a Jamie thing to do?
Marie says
Ya know ……I think I would feel safe finding myself face-to-face with Mave:slight_smile: I picture myself throwing out my arms and her giving me a hug ……but the rest of them :face_with_raised_eyebrow:……they probably would find me a curiosity and use me for their amusement then once they got bored….. leave me in pieces like the hose:flushed:
Linda C says
I feel like you’d be safe with Honey B. She’d recognize the importance of having a friend who’s taller, with better dexterity, to get some more shenanigans done!
Marie says
well just how tall is she
Marie says
:rofl:
Marie says
but then …..maybe…..:grin: I’d have a chance of Escape if I had a big bag of chow
Tobin says
Primates should not be kept as housepets or exploited in the entertainment business. Indeed, I know of many human primates who have absolutely no business being in show business but whom, nevertheless, demand our attention and invariably receive it.
Diana W says
oh! rayne is my kind of gal. swinging on the hose will teaching for a meal.
CarolR says
Yes, Chad….wouldn’t it be wonderful to know how they see the world and the things that they wonder at about us? I have a favourite photo of Burrito as my screensaver and his eyes are deep pools of curiosity and mischief to me every time I see him. BTW, after Honey B and the hose, I think there’s another contender for your job of enrichment coordinator. And with Dora’s action on the hose, she could join Jamie as an honourary member of the fire service!
Chad de Bree says
When I came in that day and we found out what happened I threw my arms in the air and proclaimed “Enrichment has been achieved! My job here is done!”… Jokingly of course.
Kathleen says
Excellent post Chad, and I share your curiosity. Even in photos, I can’t help, but wonder what goes on behind those very intelligent eyes, and I am amazed sometimes that everyone can’t see that intelligence. Why we would ever think that we humans are smarter than primates, or any other animal for that matter.
The confidence level of Jamie. It’s mind blowing, or at least it is to me or why I respect her so very much I mean who leaves behind two bags of primate chow? The most desirable and tempting goody?! Thanks for sharing that thought and photo proof. And Burrito maneuvering his spy mirror also fascinates me to no end! I might always refer to him as a goofball, well, because he is one, but I am not fooled by his playful façade. I know there’s an intelligent brain sitting in that goofy, precious, adorable head.
Oh the things you must witness every day. You are so fortunate share your life with these magnificent chimpanzee people. I look forward to your post on the unethical use of chimps as pets and props for entertainment.