New foods for chimpanzees can either make them excited, or suspicious. Today, the chimpanzees were introduced to mangosteens. I know that some of you know about Annie’s allergy to mangoes. Don’t let the name of these super fruits confuse you. They are not related to mangoes. They are more closely related to things like starfruit and lychee, though they are really in their own class. The taste has been described as a combination of strawberries, peaches, pineapples, bananas, pomegranates, and lychees, among other things. Again, they really are in a class of their own and hard to describe.
Mangosteens are indigenous to Southeast Asia. Found in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, it is known as the “Queen of Fruits.” Besides being extremely tasty, there are also many health benefits to mangosteens. They are packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, support blood sugar control, and some studies have found they may also help promote weight loss.
Overall, everyone in Foxie’s group loved them! Cy’s group, on the other hand, had mixed feelings. Some didn’t even bother to try them. Those who did try them, however, seemed to love them!
Bonus photo of Cy watching me as I was cleaning their mezzanine yesterday:
Also, don’t forget to check out the online auction items! You can begin to bid on the items you want now! And for those who are attending in person, you can start thinking about which items you are going to bid on! I’m quite partial, and biased, on this beautiful painting of Mave!
Linda C says
Thanks, Chad!
Now *I* wanna meet mangosteen!
For a brief 2nd I thought that mave and Dora we’re going to share a piece Lady and the Tramp style!
Is there a reason why the chimps on the new side got whole fruit and Foxie’s group got segments?
Thanks for the fun video with the fun interruption!
Chad de Bree says
Hi, Linda! That’s a good question. Cy’s group was served a semi-whole fruit for a couple of reasons. First, they had access to more food chutes at the time to allow caregivers to drop them in their hand. The food chutes allow us to serve larger food items. Jamie’s group wasn’t near their food chutes at breakfast, which leads to the second reason. Jamie. With a high prize food item (that we now know mangosteen is high on her list), Jamie at times can scare the others away to monopolize the food chutes. It doesn’t happen with all food items, just the ones Jamie really wants. Cy’s group on the other hand, mostly allow each other to get their portions of food from the chutes. There may be some theft here and there, but not often.
Linda C says
Thanks, Chad.
I had no idea Jamie’s greed surpassed that of certain dudes on the other side. Funny, but sad. I did notice she was pretty persistent.
I’ve always wondered, when you have parties, how many, say, coconuts you have to put out for 7 chimps, to make sure everyone gets one. 8? 10? 12?
tomaustin says
heard the rasberries mixed in with the new fruit…………………….
Linda C says
:laughing::laughing:
Marya says
Great observation about the raspberries, Tom — too funny!
Maureen says
I’ll be going out of my way to find this fruit, and I’ll tell ’em Foxie sent me.
Linda C says
:smile::smile:
Marya says
I love watching the gang enjoying themselves and exploring new enrichment in the form of foods and activities, etc. And that goes for the chimps, too! Now I have to go find a mangosteen so I can try one.
Chad de Bree says
Your best bet trying to find one is at an Asian market. We found these at H Mart. I hope you’ll be able to find one to experience it!
Marya says
Thanks, Chad. There’s an Asian market near me and I’ll head there with great gusto so I can experience what the chimps did, head-bobbing, food grunting and all!!
Kathleen says
Thanks for turning me on to something new. I remember when you served jackfruit in video (back in 2017 or 2018?) and I have yet to see one in a market near me. So I don’t think I’ll ever find mangosteens but I’m going keep my eyes peeled. Foxie’s reaction has me sold! Not sure I’ve ever seen her, or any of the chimps for that matter, that excited!!
And thanks for the commercial break! Gordo is full of beans. I think he likes the little room being reopened.
I’ve gotta watch that video again….
Linda C says
We have…Missy and tomatoes….pasta cam…
But man, Foxie and Missy really really liked these!
Kim Harris says
Talk about a food endorsement! Raspberry blowing, line cutting, head bobbing, fingers wagging, all for what is obviously one of the best fruits on the planet. When our favorite chimps wholeheartedly endorse a new food, then I, too, must try it! But I may have to join a fruit of the month club (do those still exist?) to get my hands on a mangosteen here in Arkansas! I love the look on Jamie’s face when she is obviously given an entirely too small piece of fruit. She popped the mini bite into her mouth, then looked down to her hand as if she couldn’t believe the audacity of her not being given a whole fruit! And THEN, after waiting for her turn, she gets bypassed! WHAT?!? This can not be happening! Time to remind everyone of who is boss lady around here and rightfully cut her place in line, LMAO! And the excitement on Foxie’s face made me excited for her.
I’d happily watch interruptions in programming to see Gordo having so much fun! Gordo has not only come completely out of his shell; he’s tossed that shell out to sea. Seeing Gordo feeling so secure with himself, with his new home and with his new friends (both chimps and humans), and seeing his security being freely expressed in such joyful play – this, to me, is the heart of CSNW. CSNW is more than the necessities of food, shelter, medical care, and companionship. It is loving, encouraging, supporting each person to be the individual he or she is and showing them that their individuality is what makes each so special. It’s the diligence of integrating two groups solely for their benefit. It’s pausing cleaning duties when someone wants to play or needs a boot and a bonobo book. It’s the same love, time, and commitment we give to our children, our partners, our families. CSNW is family, friends, coworkers, volunteers, and supporters who make the world a better place in countless ways, and not only for those who call it home.
Marya says
Oh, Kim, you’ve so perfectly described sanctuary life and its fabulous benefits for all concerned! Your words brought tears to my eyes. They truly ought to be part of how the sanctuary is described to the public since you capture it so beautifully and with such passion. Thank you!!