Given the fact that Foxie is probably the most playful chimp I’ve ever known, normally one would not need the following instructions. But I suppose they could be good to keep around, just in case. 🙂
chimpanzee retirement
A relaxing day for Negra
Today was sunny and beautiful, so the greenhouse was a prime spot for everyone, especially Negra.
You may have heard us talk about Negra’s spot in the outdoor area, which is the southern most end of the deck. The sun beats in the greenhouse in that spot so it’s almost always a warm and inviting place to nap.
Negra spent almost the whole day relaxing there…. and today, no blankets were necessary!
(I think the next one is my favorite. I love the pointed toe!)
2:00pm- Yep. Same place… only this time, she looked like she was practicing her “happy baby” yoga pose:
She finally came inside to her other favorite spot and curled up with a soft yellow blanket:
Problem solvers
Being the master problem solver she is, one would probably guess that Jamie is super skilled at raisin boards. And they would be right.
Raisin boards are wooden blocks with holes drilled in them that we stuff with dried fruit (because of their size raisins usually work best, but I used dried apricot pieces and dried blueberries in the photos below). We occasionally pass these out (with small skewers or sticks) as an evening “enhanced enrichment” activity, because not only does it encourage tool use and problem solving skills, but it keeps everyone busy and entertained for quite a while. Jamie often uses a technique similar to sewing- she pokes the stick slightly through, grabs it on the other side with her teeth and pulls it the rest of the way so the raisin either skewers on her stick or just falls out. It’s pretty fascinating, actually.
Jody does occasionally use tools, but she usually just pulls the fruit out with her teeth- a method that is also quite successful.
Foxie
More grooming
Missy isn’t the only one taking care of her friends. Today was a super nice and sunny day (despite the foot of snow!) so the chimps hung out in the greenhouse for most of the day, and Annie spent some time quality time grooming her best friend, Missy.
Decisions, decisions
Foxie makes me smile everyday.