We are always trying to think up new ways to enrich the chimpanzees’ daily lives. Sometimes this is in the form of new toys, or a large number of one beloved item (like the Jolly Balls Krissy got for Burrito for his birthday!), or something as simple as new presentations of existing enrichment (like adding raffia to ice eggs to allow us to hang them and encourage the chimpanzees to explore and utilize their space).
Burrito reaches for watermelon placed on a tree branch.
Oftentimes, we have an idea of who might enjoy new enrichment items the most. Burrito is always a good guess, as he loves to have fun! Last year, we purchased some heavy duty rubber bouncy balls for the chimpanzees. I immediately thought Burrito would enjoy them most. However, someone else surprised me, and has taken the most interest in these new toys. Watch the video to see who it is!
As a bonus, enjoy this photo of Rayne in one of the Wildlife Toy Box sturdy boxes gifted to us by a generous donor last year. This was exactly how I had hoped the box would be used, so I was thrilled to see Rayne relaxing in it!
I used to enjoy doing that, too, Willy B! Until my mom said I’d break down the chimney in the bedroom fireplace :unamused:
Here are some slinky links! (They’re shorts, ask Ellen to play them for you on her phone!)
Love seeing Rayne relaxing in the “tub”.
https://youtube.com/shorts/aJFMyWlzcAk?si=Q0IcNYHf2mOgtId9
https://youtube.com/shorts/joRnUATANU4?si=Ca4Lutca150W1tGe
Thank you, Linda! We’ll have to show him these so he knows how to up his game!
What cool videos, Linda! Especially the 2d. Now for the chimps to see them and try to duplicate them. What a blast!
And I wouldn’t have guessed it would be Willy who’d love the balls- loved the way he threw them behind him and didn’t follow where they went.
eh, but throwing things makes for a good display!
By the way, is the howdy door open!?
The howdy door is closed! It may have appeared open due to shadows, but it is, very securely, closed :slight_smile:
Willy B! Yay! Great hand ball technique but he tends to take his eye off the ball. :smile:Actually…..he never has his eye on the ball! But he clearly enjoys hitting it and having it come back to his vicinity to hit it again. I think he needs a play partner.
Ellen, you create amazing enrichment for the chimps. I so enjoy seeing them interacting with everything. It must keep your mind busy creating new fun challenges. I know it’s not as easy as you make it look, but what a reward when you see someone truly challenging themselves while enjoying every bit of it. Not to mention the thrill you all share when enrichment brings them confidence.
Yes, Willy has some good handball shots. Next, in the Spring will the staff build an outdoor pickle ball court? it’s very popular now. All Willy needs is a big paddle. Oh boy!!!