Annie is spectacular for many reasons, but one of my favorite Annie-isms is her affinity for clasping her hands and feet together when she’s resting (any combination will do: hand-hand, foot-foot, hand-foot).
csnw
Allies
Grooming is a very important part of chimpanzee culture and serves to form alliances and strengthen bonds. The other night, there was a minor fight and Jamie got a couple of wounds on her foot and on her head. Missy is usually our most diligent groomer and often follows folks around trying to groom their injuries, which is exactly what she did for Jamie today. I suppose she could just be a clean-freak, or she could be strengthening her allies for the next conflict– it’s pretty smart either way.
Jamie loves a challenge
Many nonhuman animals have the ability to create and use tools. It’s easy to think of this behavior as simply a means to an end – a crow wants to retrieve a piece of food from a vertical tube, so she bends a piece of wire into a hook in order to pull the food out (if you weren’t aware that birds can create and use tools, you should check this out. We primates aren’t as special as we think we are).
But for humans, we know that tool use and problem solving are not always linked to a tangible goal. Why do we play chess or work on crossword puzzles? Why did I play the game Operation when I was a kid? For many people, activities that challenge our memories and problem-solving abilities, or test our dexterity and coordination, are considered fun.
What I find interesting about Jamie is not that she can find an appropriate tool, modify it if necessary, and manipulate it in order to achieve a goal that could not be achieved otherwise. What interests me is that this is Jamie’s idea of a good time. What we see in videos like the one below is a chimpanzee contemplating, deciding, planning, manipulating, straining, and struggling. For what? Not for the nut, at least not only for the nut. Jamie has a mind that goes looking for problems to solve. For her, it’s all about the challenge.
The view from Young’s Hill
From one of the recently completed climbing structures (thanks Noah):
Valentine’s Day fun
Parties are so much fun here at CSNW. On today’s party menu was strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, dried pears, bananas, beets, sunflower seeds and tons of mixed nuts. We received a plethora of decorations and new toys from our friends Dick and Robbi Brown, Felicity, Stephanie, and Kate. Food was hidden in all kinds of Valentine’s Day themed boxes, cups, and gift bags and the playroom was filled with awesome new toys, including at least 5 new Valentine’s Day troll dolls. Thanks so much everyone!
Step one= party:
Annie drinking pomegranate juice:
Jamie opening her “Valentine”:
Foxie checking out one of her new Valentine’s Day trolls:
Step 2= nap.
Negra in her festive Valentine’s Day nest:
Burrito getting in touch with his feminine side:
Needless to say, a good time was had by all! Happy Valentine’s Day!
More Annie love
Here are a few photos of Annie enjoying her potato during lunch. In the first two pictures, I’m pretty sure she is looking up towards her best friend Missy, but I love the sparkles in her eyes!
Still time to get chocolate for your sweetie!
Just two more days to make a donation of $40 or more and in return receive a unique and delicious (believe me, I’ve sampled one) organic vegan Sjaak’s chocolate bar with a special label celebrating Annie and Missy’s love. Use our Valentine’s Donation form and give a Valentine’s gift to the chimps and your loved one!
