Having recently finished my master’s thesis, I thought this would be an appropriate venue for talking about my thesis topic: the use of chimpanzee behaviors and vocalizations by caregivers. At CSNW, the caregivers incorporate chimpanzee behaviors when interacting with the chimps. For example, during play, we exhibit chimpanzee playfaces, laughter and other playful behaviors. In addition, we use submissive behaviors when the chimpanzees display aggressive behaviors. Chimpanzees are excellent readers of nonverbal behavior. Some natural human behaviors, such as walking upright, swinging our arms, and smiling, are all aggressive/territorial behaviors to chimpanzees. Therefore, although they understand human behavior, to prevent a possible miscommunication, we use behaviors to let the chimpanzees know we are their friends, rather than trying to dominate them. Playing this submissive role has produced relationships that are centered around cooperation and friendship. In my thesis research, when caregivers used chimpanzee behaviors, the chimps spent more time interacting with the caregivers and used more playful and friendly behaviors. I see the effects of this everyday, and feel this simple thing has greatly improved these chimpanzees’ psychological wellbeing. So, next time you see a chimpanzee, whether it be at a zoo or a sanctuary, try giving them a chimpanzee head nod or a playface (you’ll see these behaviors in the video). They will be elated to know someone out there speaks chimpanzee! And being submissive when the chimpanzees are displaying (as seen in THIS video), lets them know that we aren’t threatening them and that we are their friends. It can make a world of difference.
Burrito
Thanksgiving Field Roast Dinner
As Elizabeth mentioned in yesterday’s blog post, the good people at Field Roast Grain Meat, Co. generously donated some vegan grain meat for the chimp’s Thanksgiving Dinner. Thanks so much Field Roast Grain Meat, Co.! The chimps really enjoyed it!
Thanksgiving
We have had a pretty fantastic Thanksgiving here at CSNW. The chimps came into the front rooms at 8:30 this morning for a breakfast of fruit smoothie, bananas, and cranberry sauce. While Jackie served the meal, the rest of us cleaned the playroom and prepared the Thanksgiving feast. By 10:30, cleaning was finished and we set out the food as a big forage in the playroom: pumpkins, green onions, bok choy, whole frozen apples, potatoes (sweet and otherwise), broccoli, bell peppers, parsnips, whole pomegranates, swiss chard, eggplant, and stuffing (all thanks to supporter Tamela!).
The chimps have been in terrific moods all day. Jamie made a magnificent nest out of blankets, a ball of yarn, a cardboard box, various toys, and a GIANT teddy bear. After she was done, she lounged inside it, quite visibly pleased with things, until Foxie marched over and started a vigorous tickle game. Meanwhile, Burrito and Negra groomed each other in front of Negra’s favorite window that looks out over the valley; Jody napped with a full belly; and Missy and Annie chased each other around the playroom.
For dinner, the chimps enjoyed oranges, strawberries, sparkling cider, and ridiculously delicious vegan meat, donated by our friends at Field Roast Grain Meat Co. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, and thank you so much for your support and for helping to give the chimpanzees something to be thankful for this year.
Who’s in your wallet
This is in response to a question from Shari on the last post. Below are the images of all of the credit card options with the chimpanzees names above them. We can only have five designs at a time, and Jody is not one of the images. I decided since her image is on most of our merchandise (t-shirts, soon-to-be-added bumper stickers, and tote bags), it was okay to leave her out of this first round of designs. Thanks for helping out the sanctuary by applying for one of these cards!
Burrito
Negra
Missy and Annie
Foxie
Jamie
Dirty work
Much of each day here at CSNW is spent cleaning. At 8:30 every morning, we invite the chimpanzees into the front rooms (four adjoining rooms adjacent to the playroom) for breakfast, and if everybody chooses to come in, staff and volunteers then enter the playroom and begin a thorough cleaning. The process usually takes about an hour and a half; during this time, the chimps occupy themselves in the front rooms by playing, nesting, or watching us clean (Jamie, especially, is always very interested in what we’re doing). Once we’re all finished and locked up, the chimps move to the playroom and we repeat the cleaning routine in the front rooms.
Here is a video of the daily playroom cleaning routine. It’s exhausting for sure, but it’s all part of providing a nice home for the Cle Elum Seven.
Burrito
Grooming in style
Burrito and Missy spent some time grooming each other this morning while we were cleaning the playroom.
