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Reach

June 23, 2025 by J.B.

Chimpanzee gestures carry different meanings depending on the context in which they are delivered. Here we look at the extended arm, or “reach” gesture, which can mean “hello”, “come here”, “give me that”, “hop on my back, it’s time to go”, or “it’s OK to approach me”, among other things.

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Chimpanzee Behavior

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Diane Kastel says

    June 23, 2025 at 4:38 pm

    Fascinating information! I never noticed the, outstreched, arm before, but, it is, so, adorable, and, personable.

  2. Amelia says

    June 23, 2025 at 6:03 pm

    with all thats going on in the world your posts are the highlight of ny day. thank you

    • Dianne says

      June 23, 2025 at 6:54 pm

      Thank you fornall the great lessons on chimp behavior!

    • Dianne says

      June 23, 2025 at 6:55 pm

      Thank you for all the great lessons on chimp behavior!

    • Susan Kathleen Feeley says

      June 23, 2025 at 9:26 pm

      Well said, Amelia. With all the conflict in the world it is so good to tap in to CSNW where peace and love prevail.

  3. Susan Kathleen Feeley says

    June 23, 2025 at 7:09 pm

    There is always something new to learn about these amazing Chimpanzees and it was interesting watching their facial expressions as the chaimps reached out. Thanks for sharing this, J.B. and for making us feel that bit closer to CSNW.

  4. Kathleen says

    June 23, 2025 at 7:14 pm

    Thank you J.B.! Brought a smile to my face to see Missy reaching out to handsome Willy B. Keep trying Missy. Those quiet handsome types are always worth the challenge.

    I am curious about Foxie’s noticeable sneer face or fear grimace. Is she anxious over Burrito inviting Annie to join them, worried Burrito may cause a conflict?

    • Linda C says

      June 23, 2025 at 7:18 pm

      I was wondering about Ms Fox, too. Popcorn shells under her lip?
      And Missy forgot to waggle her fingers, like Jojo. I still remember Jo’s happy face the day she got to sit next to the Big Man at lunch!

    • J.B. says

      June 24, 2025 at 7:51 am

      I thought about noting Foxie’s face in the video – that is just an abnormal, idiosyncratic behavior of hers. She lifts her lip and then inhales through her nose. We don’t believe it’s related to any physiological issue (like a stuffed nose) or emotional state (like fear or boredom).

      • Kathleen says

        June 24, 2025 at 10:22 am

        Thanks for the time involved in replying. I guess that’s just our little Foxie being herself. now that you mention it, I feel like I’ve seen her do that in the past and was curious what it meant.

      • Paulette Wrisley says

        June 25, 2025 at 9:16 am

        Hmmm. Foxie’s expression reminds me of Terry’s expression when he first met Mave.

  5. Paula Chapin says

    June 23, 2025 at 10:07 pm

    So sweet:revolving_hearts:

  6. Eli W says

    June 24, 2025 at 6:42 am

    I love seeing how they communicate with each other and their caregivers. It’s funny how Willy plays it cool, but you can tell he likes the attention!

  7. Gaynell says

    June 24, 2025 at 9:39 am

    When Jody poassed away i remember a scene when all the chimps surrounded her and one chimp outstretched an arm. Could that be ‘reach’ to reassure all the other chimps?

    • Linda C says

      June 24, 2025 at 9:44 am

      Annie was rocking, something she does when worked up, and lifted an arm up and down a few times. Neggie came over to the caregivers at the mesh to (IMO) give them kisses/comfort. Could have been to get

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