As part of today’s daytime enrichment we pre-made nests for the three groups of chimpanzees. They are clearly capable of making their own nests with the special modifications to meet each of their personal needs, therefore our pre-made nests might not be up to their standards. We won’t get offended if some rearranging and redecorating occurs, if anything it makes for good enrichment. For example, Jamie likes to incorporate boots and books to hers so tomorrow morning we might see some boot or book additions in them. In the wild their night nests are complex and are made by arranging tree branches and lining them with leaves, while their daytime nests are usually closer to the ground and less time consuming. Just in case, we made some in all areas of the enclosures to allow the chimps to pick and choose where they want to rest, after alterations are made. We mostly used blankets and different fabrics to design them today but other days we provide the chimps different materials to make their evening or daytime resting nests like paper, plant material, clothing, silk scarves, etc.
Last week was busy with introductions so as caregivers were making nests in the different enclosures, some had the same thought I had: let’s just lay down here for a bit.
Caregivers Kelsi and Sam testing out some nests in the front rooms.
What do you guys think about this pre-made nest?
This morning I saw Negra nesting while enjoying squash browse that Dr. Erin brought yesterday.
Jamie on one of the pre-made nests caregivers prepared today in the green house.
Annie nesting in the greenhouse. Note how she is holding her hand and foot.
Missy and Jody on the greenhouse platform, Jody arranging blankets for her nest.
Enjoy some extras:
Burrito sitting peacefully on the platform of the greenhouse. Don’t be fooled, this guy does not let us skip our daily cardio.
Foxie in the greenhouse looking straight at the camera.
Honey B chilling in the playroom.
Missy looking towards the hill on this chilly and cloudy day.
Dora about to eat the raisin she successfully retrieved from the raisin board using a chopstick.
Rayne carrying around a chopstick after going through most of the raisin board enrichment.
PS. Check out our Amazon wish-list for a list of books for this years Jamieween celebration!
I love these photographs! I swear that with each passing day these chimpanzees grow even more beautiful.
And these nests! Can the Sanctuary’s future expansion plans include a sanctuary for human primates? I wanna move in!
i agree Tobin!
I think the nests were a hit. I particularly love the picture of Annie holding her foot and hand, so sweet. ?
Okay ladies, just how much fun did you have building those nests?! Need to adjust your title to Caregivers & Housekeeping. Hope everyone enjoyed your nests, a nice gift to save the chimps some time after a hard morning of play. Jamie under that adorable dashhound fleece blanket is sweet. I enjoyed every single photo and I now have yet another photo of our queen in her favorite spot to add to my collection! Loved Annie holding her foot and precious Dora’s face as she worked her raisin board.
Managed to purchase a few books from your Wish List. I can’t wait for the big day. Perhaps we need to start placing bets on who will make off with The Great Pumpkin this year. (hint : her initials are JODY!)
What a wonderful enrichment idea!
I’m trying to find the list
for the books but none of the links are taking me to it. Do I need to type in something else? Sorry this is a two part reply but the first part sent before I was finished.
Hi Laurie. Yes it is two part linking. First click on the words “wish list” in Sofia’s PS at the bottom of the blog. This will take you the CSNW page where you will see “VIEW OUR AMAZON.COM WISH LIST”. Click on the red words “WISH LIST” to be sent to the Amazon WIsh List on Amazon.. Hope this helps.
Great nestbuildingskills !!
I bet it feels very comfy and cosy in those nests??!! And I am sure everyone can get used to pre-made nests; it sure saves Jodi a whole lot of work, remembering that endearing video of her nesting; it just went on and on..
And dear Sofìa, if I may, please don’t call us “guys”….I for one do not think that term is applicable to me since I am a woman. :kissing_heart:
it’s short for “you guys”, which here in the States is like a northern version of “y’all”, and perfectly appropriate to all genders
Don’t know how you busy folks keep coming up with new ideas. Your making the nests yourselves was a great idea. Wonder, did any one jump right in and use them as is? (Besides Kelsi and Sam, I mean.