As a caregiver at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest one of our priorities is trying to come up with entertainment, enrichment, and various engaging activities for the chimpanzees’ daily lives. We are keen to provide them with as much choice and autonomy in captivity as we can.
For all our effort towards this end, it is always a gift to be reminded that as much as the chimpanzees might appreciate it, they also do not rely solely on it for their happiness and well-being. The chimpanzees are as adept at enriching them-selves (and each other) as we are at enrichment and I wouldn’t have it any other way! It is a privilege to care for these seven chimpanzees but I believe they know far better than I what would be the best way for them to spend their time. Here is just a taste of how they choose to live today.
Mary C Otterness says
Would you name them in the individual pics more??
nicki says
I love the fact that you know that the chimps know better than us what makes them happy. How true. They are so intelligent. Amazing you all are at CSN
nancy says
yup did the same thing today. walked around in my garden, picked a few weeds, pet my cats, and now I am resting on the couch with my favorite blanket!
Cody Marie Phoenix says
Annie REALLY likes her feet doesn’t she? lol ???