Sarah

Two fun things to report today:

1. Jamie is still amazing us all! Here’s a video of her sorting through a purse full of enrichment, and making good use of each item she finds.

2. This one is so exciting for me: After breakfast we hand out enrichment to the chimps so that they have something to do while we finish up cleaning. I walked into the front room area the other morning carrying a bright pink scarf. I was going to give it to Missy because she loves to play tug-o-war with scarves. Foxie clapped and banged at me as I walked by her. This isn’t too unusual for Foxie. She’s often seeking a little knuckle rub or wrist tickle. But I looked down and she was emphatically gesturing toward the scarf. I held it up and said “You want this?” with what I’m sure was a very confused look on my face, since she never wants anything soft. She gestured again so I held it up to the cage so she could pull it through. That was exciting enough, but when we saw her place the scarf carefully around her (as though she was starting a nest), I was thrilled! It’s so great that she’s getting closer and closer to that cozy nest we all know she deserves!

Free living and captive chimpanzees seem to be “hard wired” to make nests. In captivity, it shows up with chimpanzees who have great lives (like those in true sanctuaries) and with chimpanzees who have not so great lives (like those in entertainment). Here’s a chance to see Missy concocting a masterful nest (twice!) made out of seven blankets and a stuffed monkey. 

Every morning the chimps have smoothies for breakfast. Today I served the smoothie with straws – here’s Negra and Foxie sharing nicely!

Three months ago Missy was sitting in a lab. Today? Enjoying every moment! And on the human side – five years ago this project was just an idea in Keith’s head. Today? He’s chasing Missy till he’s out of breath!

(Note from Sarah: So sorry! I thought I had posted this yesterday but apparently it didn’t go through!) What’s better on a summer day than watermelon and sunshine? Watermelon, sunshine, and a troll doll (being held in her foot)!

When we say that a chimpanzee is “displaying,” we referring to the behaviors chimps use to show us that they’re in charge. For Burrito, this typically includes standing up bipedally (on two legs), pilo erect hair (puffing up to look bigger), running around, and usually banging or jumping off of something. It’s quite impressive to watch. We didn’t see Burrito display for quite a while after the chimps first arrived. It’s hard to imagine that these days, since we see him showing us who’s in charge many times a day! It’s so amazing to see him feel comfortable and confident enough to do what he’s supposed to do