Every day, the chimpanzees are served 3 meals. Their diet largely consists of fresh fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and browse (more fibrous plant material such as grape vines or cattails), but we still supplement their diet with a very small amount of commercially prepared primate chow.
In this photo, Negra holds pieces of primate chow in both hands.
Breakfast may be the most exciting meal of the day, because it includes not only fresh fruit, but also freshly made fruit smoothies! Their daily smoothie includes a variety of fruit (almost always bananas, usually combined with an assortment of fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries) and supplements to support their health (for example, an omega fatty acids oil blend).
In this photo, Jamie polishes off her smoothie, making sure she gets every last drop!
The chimps are also served one type of vegetable, several peanuts, and primate chow at breakfast, in addition to their smoothies and fruit. For lunch, the chimpanzees are served another fruit, two different vegetables, and primate chow. For their final meal of the day, the chimps are served 3 different types of vegetables and a “night bag,” which includes a mix of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, raisins, other dried fruit, and popcorn. The night bag is the most exciting item at dinner time!
In this photo series, Dora enjoys a favorite vegetable – corn!
There are some items that are almost universally loved by the chimps. These include almost all fruits, and select vegetables like corn, avocado, and tomatoes (technically a fruit, but we count them as a vegetable for meals), to name a few. There are some exceptions – George, despite our best efforts to change his mind, is not interested in trying an avocado whereas Foxie loves them most! Missy is our well-known tomato connoisseur, and Cy loves corn so much that he does occasionally steal it from others (I think it is a fair tax as the alpha, he has a lot of work to do!). We are able to provide a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for the chimps, which vary by season, so some items are particularly exciting because they are only available seasonally (pomegranate is a great example!). For special occasions such as birthdays, arrival anniversaries, and holidays, we often prepare more novel foods to celebrate! Long-time volunteer caregiver Patti recently celebrated her birthday, and made chimp-approved carrot walnut waffles to celebrate with the chimps. Rayne, who has very high standards when it comes to food, absolutely loved the waffles!
If you’d like to support the chimps by purchasing some of their daily supplements, you can do so through our wish lists here. You can also become a Produce Patron, and help us keep the fridges stocked with a variety of fruits and vegetables!
Haply birthday, Patti!
I don’t always remember your name, but I do remember all of your creations- waffles, stuffed mini pumpkins, cookies, banana cream pies, cakes, and more! Thanks for making their daily lives and celebrations more interesting!
i’ve recently become half chimp. I think more than half of my diet is now fruit. Somehow I got on this kick and I am addicted! I have a huge plate of fruit twice a day. (and boy do my recent blood tests reflect this!)
i’ve often thought about the amount of fruits and vegetables that are required in all of these sanctuaries and zoos. It’s astonishing how they can keep them coming. i’m sure at times it is challenging. I know in the wild the chimps really love figs. Do they get figs often or at all?
i’m gonna have to try those carrot cake waffles!
I brought Jamie’s group figs on my birthday too as they all love them (altho Negra was pretty into the waffles, so she didnt take any figs that day; you’ve gotta respect her love of carbs). I brought George and Cy’s group mangos as its a favorite of theirs. Not sure if they’ve ever had figs; theyre a pickier bunch than Jamie’s group.
Sweet of you! Happy birthday!
What an amazing variety of delicious fruits and vegetables the chimps receive. I’d love a waffle or two for breakfast. Thanks, Patti for all your healthy culinary creations.
Happy Birthday, Patti! I bet one of the best gifts was that smile on Rayne’s face while she enjoyed her waffles made with love by you. You are so thoughtful and creative!
Thank you, Ellen, for breaking down the chimps healthy daily diet. The prep alone could keep a person busy for a day. It’s no accident all the chimps look so healthy. And thanks for the photos! Dora’s big eyes and eyelashes always make me smile.
It’s always delightful to see how all the chimps get excited about meal time and eagerly devour their food especially smoothies and fruit. Can’t thank the sanctuary and staff enough for providing such excellent care as is evident by the chimps continued good health. The bovine make out pretty well themselves.
Happy return of the day, Patti! :birthday::champagne_glass::gift:The carrot-walnut waffle looks delicious!!:woman::cooking::monkey_face::cookie:
(Is Honey-B all right? I haven’t seen her recently.)
Adrienne, I thought the same thing. We are overdue for a Honey B caper. She can’t have been on good behavior for all this time.
I assume the caregivers have upped the security on their hoses and squeegees!