Negra had a rough 35 years in the research lab, but now her toughest challenge is figuring out when to abandon her nest for breakfast. This is what sanctuary means to Negra.
chimpanzee
Black & White Photos
Sometimes just looking at photos of the chimpanzees takes my breath away.
Even though I’ve known them for over a decade, I love being able to study their features and the different expressions that the camera captures in a given moment.
Black and white photos can be all the more breathtaking.
Burrito:
Missy:
Foxie:
Foxie takes care of business
Another garter snake saga, in which everyone learns a very important lesson: Foxie will take care of it, but you would do well to give her a wide berth.
Missy loves a good potato
Snacking on a raw potato may not be your idea of a good time, but Missy thinks it’s delicious. (Volume up for satisfying crunching.)
Missy held hostage
After the chimps returned from their morning foray around the hill, Annie climbed to the top of the greenhouse to make a nest and get warm. She immediately started clapping her feet together and making her patented bird noised (whistling through her hands) which if you’re new-ish to the blog is Annie speak for “I am extremely happy and content right now.”
Best friend, Missy, climbed up to join her where they had a sweet grooming session. Missy doesn’t often care to have her photo taken and I admittedly took advantage of the fact that she was held hostage by Annie who was grooming her back to snap a few quick photos with her permission. It didn’t take Missy long to turn her back so I’m happy to have captured a few of her beautiful self. Thanks, Missy!
When chimpanzees groom one another or themselves, they typically make a variety of distinct sounds with their mouths, tongues and teeth to communicate their intentions. We humans do this as well when the chimps invite us to groom with them through the caging. Each chimp has their own style to some degree which can include, lip-smacking, teeth-clacking or blowing raspberries. Annie was utilizing the raspberry technique:
Taking her job very seriously:
Missy said, “A little lower”:
Breakfast in the Greenhouse
At CSNW, the day begins with breakfast in the greenhouse. This morning, graduate student Lisa observed Diana serving as part of her caregiver training.
Meals are often served directly, as Diana demonstrates in this video.
They can also be spread out as a forage, placed in food puzzles, or done in some combination of the above. Serving individually enables us to give medications, ensures that everyone gets their fair share, and allows us to pick up on slight changes in eating behavior that might indicate changes in their health.
The chimps are usually patient and cooperative during meals, though food-stealing does occur and fights do occasionally break out. Notice how the chimps change positions and try to get Diana’s attention to get more of their favorite foods – it takes a lot of practice to be able to remember who’s been served and how much!
At one point you will see Annie “crutch walk” in the greenhouse. Chimpanzees sometimes scoot around on extended arms with their butts and legs still in a seated position. It’s an efficient way to get around if you’re not going far!
After breakfast, the chimps take to Young’s Hill and look forward to exploring, playing, grooming, and many more meals and snacks to come.
Missy’s Legs
Missy’s legs take her on some pretty great adventures.
So they need plenty of rest.
