Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Play

Grooming, planning, playing, napping

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While we cleaned the playroom this morning, the Seven spent some time bonding on the Greenhouse platform. The chimps probably came together up top because it was warmer up there, but they may have realized that if they wanted to groom as a group they’d better gather around the immovable lump that is Negra. She’s happy to be groomed as long as it doesn’t involve getting out of bed. It may look like Foxie was excluded but individuals often tag out for brief periods only to tag back in later.

After cleaning was finished, the staff got together to discuss plans for enrichment in the new playrooms and greenhouses.

We consulted Mave first. It’s her house, after all. She just said to make sure there were lots of socks.

The climbing structures are starting to take shape. You can see the platforms, which will soon be filled in with composite decking, and some of the various branches. Later we’ll add fire hose vines and hammocks.

The playroom is split down the middle (with a double cage wall up above and a human hallway below) to accommodate two groups during introductions or, if necessary, on a permanent basis, so each side gets its own tree as well as its own set of stairs (for us humans and our elderly chimp friends).

With the playrooms nearing completion we’re excited to turn our attention to the greenhouses, which we plan to complete by the end of April. We’re looking forward to seeing the Three swing throughout the new spaces.

Chimps are pretty rough on their toys so strict quality control is important.

Case in point: Burrito was upside down and sideways all day on the caging and structures while playing with his caregivers.

Even though we filled up a stock tank with snow in the greenhouse, Burrito asked that Diana fetch him a fresh snow ball or two from just outside the door. Snow apparently tastes better when it is freshly hand-rolled by the artisan snow ball makers on staff.

And while he ate them, he tickled Diana’s hands with his toes.

While Burrito and Diana played, Missy decided it was time to head into the playroom and make a nest, so she grabbed an armful of blankets and headed for the door. But first she had to grab herself a snow snack.

Sense of Humor in Chimpanzees

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Someone recently donated two cardboard forts for the chimpanzees. Mave and Willy B had a really good time playing in and destroying theirs yesterday, while the group of seven left theirs intact to see another day. It’s hard to tell in the photo below, but these are big forts – big enough for a chimpanzee to fit inside.

This morning as we were just opening up the chimp house, Foxie was in the room with the fort, just walking past it. We both did a double-take when we heard some rustling and what sounded like knocking coming from inside. I’m not much of a morning person, so I wasn’t 100% sure of what I heard. But then out popped Burrito!

It reminded me of two things: First, this is my kind of humor. I remember years ago I hid inside a brand new garbage can to surprise a friend. I think it was a lot funnier to me than my friend. Second, also years ago, I did my masters thesis on play initiation in chimpanzees, specifically five chimpanzees who were living at the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute at Central Washington University (the two chimpanzees who are still living from that group, Tatu and Loulis, now live at the Fauna Foundation in Quebec).

Gathering data for my thesis was a joy because I spent hours watching videotapes (yes, actual videotapes – I told you it was years ago) of chimpanzees playing. From what I recall, most of the instances of play initiation were between friends Moja and Tatu, and I remember more than one instance of Tatu hiding behind a wall and then jumping out at Moja when she walked past, with a raucous game of chase ensuing.

We witness the chimpanzees initiate play all of the time here at the sanctuary, and often the initiator is Burrito. He’s a very funny and fun-loving guy with his human and chimpanzee friends.

Even when he’s spending time alone, he seems to amuse himself. While we were cleaning the playroom, I looked into the greenhouse and saw Burrito sitting in a box eating breakfast leftovers. He had pulled his scooter up next to him.

Without a doubt, humor has gotten me through some otherwise tough times and made good times even better. Maybe joke-telling or sharing humorous thoughts is the human equivalent of initiating play. I think that’s how I will think of it now.

Scooter Chase

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Why run when you can scoot? All three of the Californians were keeping their caregivers busy after lunch today with games of chase, but only Honey B managed to play without ever getting off her butt.

This week, construction began on the first of two climbing structures in the new playrooms. These “trees” – made possible with funding from Trees for Tigers – will have nesting platforms, branches, and dozens of fire hose vines attached. Combined with the “monkey bar” ceiling, it will make all of the open space in the middle of the playrooms usable for the chimps. We’ll share more next week as they progress.

The Doll Thief Strikes Again!

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The doll thief is back! While we did a deep clean on chimps playroom, Foxie and Jamie decided to play. Jamie has been in a great mood and as many of us know Foxie always tends to get the silly side out of Jamie. This play session may seem similar to last Friday, though not quite as epic as Jamie lifting Foxie up, but still pretty great!

After the play session was over, Foxie needed to rest.

And for those who need a daily dose of  Burrito, here he is enjoying his bags of chow :).

Doll Thief

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Jamie and Foxie had a pretty epic play session while we were cleaning the playroom this morning. A few things to note about this video:

  • Everyone was playing all morning – this is just a small slice of all the craziness.
  • I love how Jamie shows Foxie how to get this game started – “Here, I’ve got your doll and you’ve got to try to get it back!”
  • If you ever question whether chimpanzees are stronger than humans, try hanging from the ceiling for 10 minutes and let me know how that works out.
  • Jamie employed a new move in this play session, which I have dubbed “The Motorcycle”. See if you can spot it.
  • Jamie is 43 years old and seems to have unlimited energy. I am 43 years old and would like a nap. I don’t know how they do it.

Oh, and I’ve got some good news to share – we’d like to thank the Glide Foundation, and all of you who donated this past year, for helping us purchase our very own portable digital x-ray machine! As you may know, we have been fortunate to be able to borrow an x-ray unit as needed from a generous local veterinarian, Dr. Kellar, but with additional chimpanzees on the way we knew it was time to have one of our own. Not an easy decision when you are talking about something the price of a nice new car, but we consider it a necessary investment in the health of our growing family and we’re so grateful that you all made it possible. We’d also like to thank our friends at Project V.E.T.S. for sending along some gently used radiation protection equipment to keep our staff and consulting medical professionals safe!

Play is in Session

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The chimps are always having these amazing play sessions in the front rooms while we clean their playroom. Yesterday was a particularly silly day as you can see from the video and photos. It’s always a good day when you see boss lady Jamie letting her hair down to play with her friends, Burrito and Foxie. The day continued to be goofy with this guy! There is nothing better than an upside-down Burrito and hearing him laugh.

It snowed quite a bit last night. So today was all about snow, napping, and yelling at the neighbors.

Jody melting our hearts since 1975 <3.

Negra with her snow snacks.