Brief description: At Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, we keep a variety of large, movable objects in the enclosures at all times. The chimpanzees can utilize the large objects to help them reach things, incorporate them into their displays, or use them to sit on. We also put in things like plastic kids tables and kiddie pools for our less destructive group. We rotate objects out when they inevitably break or we can’t properly clean them.
Materials: There are a variety of options depending on the durability needed for the individuals you are seeking to provide them to. Less durable options are kiddie pools, sand boxes, and kids plastic furniture and chairs, while more durable options include large plastic barrels, large Rubbermaid pools, tires, and a variety of items from Wildlife Toy Box (some that we have used are tires, balls, prima rockers, boxes, and trays, each with many customization options).
Assembly instructions: No assembly required.
How to use: Provide in animal areas. Rotate items in and out of spaces regularly to provide some novelty.
Price: Varies greatly by item and level of durability.
Jody relaxes in a sandbox “nest.”
Mave sits behind multiple furniture items.
Burrito sits on a barrel to look out the window.
Terry’s group uses a prima rocker as a juice pool.