Posts by Anna
Chimpanzee Time
Last Sunday we all changed the clocks back an hour, but the chimps have no use for telling the time (other than when their stomachs tell them it’s time to eat). Rather than changing the chimps’ schedule and routine, the humans change their own work schedule. During the winter months we start work an hour…
Read MoreJamie’s birthday video!
Hope everyone had a happy Jamieween! Thanks to all who helped make it a spectacular day!
Read MoreJamieween preview!
Jamie turned 40 today, so I want to make sure to do her birthday video justice… Therefore, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to watch it. Until then, I leave you with these before and after teaser photos. I thought they’d had enough pumpkin, but as I closed up, Negra was still eating this last…
Read MoreBurrito and Foxie
In free-living populations of chimpanzees, male chimps are the dominant group leaders. At the sanctuary, this is not the case. While Burrito, the only male chimpanzee in the group, acts pretty tough when he chases the females around the playroom during his wild displays, he doesn’t really understand how to be a leader, and therefore…
Read MoreGold mornings
As this morning’s heavy fog burned off, the sanctuary positively glowed. Foxie: Annie Jody:
Read MoreAn awestruck Jody
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” –Anne of Green Gables L.M. Montgomery
Read MoreNegra goes outside, just because she can!
This morning I opened the door to Young’s Hill and 6 chimpanzees poured out onto the hill to investigate any changes that might have happened overnight in their 2 acre outdoor enclosure. Moments after opening the door, Negra surprised me by venturing out as well. I expected her to stop and maybe eat a little…
Read MoreBusy work
We had this giant box of shipping/moving paper saved up with a fun enrichment project in mind. After Jamie and Burrito dismantled the box, Missy was more than happy to recycle the paper as lining in her giant nest!
Read MoreThat new doll smell!
A couple of weeks ago we introduced you to Foxie’s new love of a purple haired Strawberry Shortcake doll. Well yesterday her new shiny friends arrived in the mail! Foxie was so excited that she wanted us to playfully chase her around holding the box before she could even bring herself to cuddle them.
Read MoreLazy play for a lazy day
Missy and Negra didn’t feel the need to release much energy in this morning’s play bout. Notice how it devolves slowly into a grooming session. Negra approves of all interactions where she gets to stay in bed!
Read MoreThe many uses of enrichment
The chimps are not known for being gentle with the enrichment they receive. Many of the toys they get each day have a primary use (to be examined and played with) and a secondary use (to be destroyed by any means possible). I imagine there’s something pretty enjoyable about making a huge pile of fun…
Read MoreA greeting from Jody
With her earnest eyes and amazing drooped lip, Jody gives the best greetings!
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