Not only are chimpanzees adept at using tools and solving puzzles, but they are also good at planning ahead. When Jamie is confronted with a difficult problem, she often disappears for a while and returns with a tool that will help her solve it.
chimpanzee
Resting Serious Face
Jamie can be a difficult person to read. For some reason, her face is less emotionally expressive than those of the other chimps.
Over the last 8 years, we’ve studied her face intently and gotten to know the subtleties of what little expression she reveals. It’s serious business around here, because Jamie’s mood can make or break your day. And though I can’t tell you what it is exactly that differentiates one seemingly solemn expression from another, there is something noticeably different when she is in a good mood. The seriousness is still there, but it’s like she has temporarily forgotten about all the responsibilities she has as the group’s powerful but insecure leader and the Machiavellian struggles that she engages in with her family and the humans that care for her on a daily basis. It’s the same face, but the weight has been momentarily lifted.
Once and a while, though, she relieves us of the need for such detailed analysis and tells us in no uncertain terms that she is happy.
The face might be serious, but the troll scarf says otherwise.
Curiously Sweet
Annie has changed in many ways since arriving at the sanctuary eight years ago. As the chimpanzee who occupies the lowest position in the hierarchy, Annie has plenty of reasons to be cautious. When she first moved here from the lab, she was anxious, shy, and prone to panic attacks. Nowadays, we see a much more confident and outgoing Annie.
But one thing that hasn’t changed is that Annie remains possibly the sweetest chimp you’ll ever meet. Chimpanzees are not known for being gentle. Any chimp caregiver will tell you that they’ve been poked, spit on, or worse by the chimps they take care of countless times. That’s all normal chimp behavior – particularly among captive chimps who have limited power over their environment – and we see those behaviors every day from the Cle Elum Seven. All except for Annie, that is, who doesn’t seem to have an aggressive bone in her body.
So much light
If you are new to the blog, something we write about often is the chimpanzees’ enrichment. One of the biggest challenges we face with captive chimpanzees (and all animals really) is keeping their intelligent and active minds busy. In the wild chimpanzees are busy patrolling large territories, foraging for food and navigating the dynamics of large families. So even the best captive situation cannot provide the mental stimulation chimps receive in their natural wild lives.
We have two calendars in the chimp house, one for daytime enrichment and one for evening enrichment. Daily enrichment is given a theme such as “blue things,” “troll scarves,” or “beach day” and is really to help us caregivers think outside the box a bit and keep things interesting for the chimps by presenting their enrichment in different ways each day. Evening enrichment is provided each evening after dinner and consists of some kind of food puzzle which keeps the chimps engaged in an activity as we close up the chimp house for the night.
Today’s enrichment theme was “giant pile” day meaning we deposited all of the chimps’ toys, activities and blankets into a giant mountain of a pile in the playroom after cleaning. Jamie was thrilled and promptly took over the entire pile (much to Negra’s chagrin who was sitting above her on the catwalk, looking disgusted with the humans’ “bright idea,” waiting for the opportunity to steal some blankets away for her nest).
But the boss lady had no shame in making the coziest nest ever (with 30 blankets) and loved being able to check everything of interest all within arm’s reach. She spent some quality time relaxing with her beloved boot, reading her new books, and occasionally glancing outside the barn doors to this beautifully peaceful spring day.
As I gaze at these photos Jamie allowed me to take I can’t help but think of the past she, and all the chimps, came from and the contrast of their lives now. What must it feel like for them to be at peace? To be surrounded by comfort, love and respect? To spend their time doing what feels best to each of them? The look of well-being and contentment and the light in Jamie’s eyes speaks volumes. And it makes my heart sing for her.
Footloose and fancy-free
The skies are blue, the sun is shining, and Foxie doesn’t have a care in the world.
These Eyes
These eyes have seen a lot in their 39 years:
These arms have had babies torn from them:
This body has been viewed and treated as nothing more than a tool to experiment with:
This face is now loved by hundreds of people:
This post is for the love of Foxie in recognition of where she came from and how far away from that life she is now, thanks to everyone who has cared. Learn more about Foxie on her web page and in this post.
Christmas in April
Last year, we waited until October to plant the chimps’ potted Christmas tree. Since Jody has been steadily devouring that one, I thought we’d get this one planted sooner. Missy was the first to check it out, but only because Anna decorated it with apple slices.
Today has been another beautiful, summer-like day. Perfect for walking around the hill with friends, both real and imaginary.
Also perfect for enjoying breakfast and lunch forages that included chive flowers, beets and greens, and Negra’s favorite, lettuce.
And when the food was all gone, the chimps took a moment to enjoy the amazing views from Young’s Hill.
