Training Fun
May 29, 2020 by J.B. -
Getting chimpanzees to participate in their own medical care is incredibly important for their physical and psychological health. But some chimps, like Foxie, are reluctant to take part. After three decades in laboratories, who could blame her? But with patience, and lots of positive reinforcement, the chimps do learn to trust us. Sometimes, you just have to bend the rules and have a little fun.
Willy B spent some quality time in the courtyard today. I watched as he walked about eight feet across the grass to retrieve a cherry from the ground. He used a small plastic chair almost like a walker so that he had a grip on something familiar. Once he was safely back on the boardwalk, he pant-hooted and then climbed back up to the platform to relax. He even laid down in the shade out there for a while. He’s getting to the point where he only goes back inside for lunch…what a difference a month makes.
And guess who reached out to grab some cabbage from the boardwalk? This is how Willy B started – we’ll see if Mave follows the same course.
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Go for it, Mave!!!!I know you can do it!!!
I’m thinking Foxie is as sly as a fox when it comes to avoiding that spray. Correction, she’s as sly as a goofy, wildly agile, make-you-laugh-out-loud, gymnastic fox but you get the idea. And I can’t get over Willy B just hanging out on the top of the structure king of all he can see. SO cool.
Okay Mave, now all eyes are on you. Where will you be a month from today? Time will tell and the best part, there’s no particular reason to hurry.
wow, Willy B left cabbage behind!? Amazi g!
I was picturing you guys standing on a tall ladder, tossing more for Mave over the fence after Willy B had blazed through!
So nice to see him prefer the outdoors!
And thanks for all of the Foxie spins!
I think she means she’s glad you’re back, Anna!
Oh Foxie, How can one chimp be so cute ?
I so admire all of you and your patience dealing with everyone, and learning that they are all individuals.
It must help that you love them so.
is that The Queen that I see up on “her” platform?
Yes, I believe Negra was on the platform. Once the food reward part of training is over, she’s out of there 🙂
This is one of those posts where you don’t know if you should laugh or cry, but of course I did BOTH…While it’s profoundly sad that sweet Foxie still carries those memories of pain & fear, but OhMyGosh, I ended up snorting & hooting while laughing out loud…Seriously, I laughed myself silly & almost surprised myself when I started clapping my hands & cheering her on…
It always feels SO GOOD to laugh when we can witness their playful silliness, & celebrate each chimp’s strengths & accomplishments… …especially when it’s done with such hysterical exuberance…HaHaHa…Foxie is a sly & silly little goofball…& I LOVE it…
Missy is a rock star with clicker training! So cool calm and collected as her foot gets spritzed. Ho hum, please hand me my treat. Love that girl.
Omg Willy walked on the grass!!! That’s fantastic! That is beyond huge for any LEMSIP chimp! And Mave reached for cabbage! That is very hopeful! Thank you all!??
And Foxie! OMG! ??
Those Chimps are SO smart! Foxie is SO funny. Willy B and Mave are SO brave. They’re all amazing. Thank you for taking wonderful care of them:)
Willy B. is my hero.
Little Foxie is such a sweet soul.
And Mave…..I can’t wait to see what lies ahead in her courtyard journey!