Singular Individuals

Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” – Dr. Seuss (Born on this day, 113 years ago) The always unique Jamie Chimpanzee:

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Just a trim

Each Christmas the chimpanzees receive their own potted pine tree as part of the festive decorations. We leave it in the greenhouse for them to enjoy during the rest of the winter months, and then we can plant it on Young’s Hill in the spring. Slowly, but surely, the chimps prune a little bit off…

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Saying good morning!

Most mornings at the sanctuary are filled with the raucous sounds of Burrito’s displaying. He seems to think that the mornings are the ideal time to rattle doors and chase the girls around the playroom. For a chimpanzee, especially a male chimpanzee, this is typical behavior. Some mornings are quieter than others though, and on…

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Roses with dessert!

Before caregivers close the chimp house each evening, we make sure to hand out or set up an evening puzzle for the chimps to work on. Yesterday, as the chimps came forward to get their peanut butter/banana filled PVC tubes, they each were offered a fresh Valentine’s Day rose to go with their puzzle. Annie:…

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Valentine’s Day 2017!

The chimpanzees celebrated the day of love with a series of casual forages featuring some of their favorite foods. Here are a just a few highlights from their breakfast forage: Thanks to everyone who helped share the chimp love this year!

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Sand therapy

Feeling stressed out? This long winter got you down? We know just the cure! There’s something quite Zen about watching Jamie play with fresh new sand. Make sure to view with sound for a little bit of calming enrichment!

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Carrying stuff

Since the chimpanzees don’t generally use backpacks or wear clothing with pockets, they can be pretty creative with how they choose to gather and carry items around. Chimpanzees rely a lot on their mouths… Negra: Foxie: Jamie: But sometimes their mouths are full and they still need to carry more.. Jody: Missy: And sometimes their…

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An update

As many blog followers may know, Negra’s toe was injured during a fight about a month ago. After monitoring the injury closely, we knew we had to perform a minor surgery to help it heal properly. I’ve been gone for a few weeks (one week vacation, one week out sick), so it’s been a little…

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Food envy

Sometimes a chimp will savor something that’s so delicious, that another chimp will feel the need to come over and watch them intently (sometimes awkwardly close) as they eat. We call this behavior food peering. Today Burrito had a wadge (a lip full) of chewed up primate chow. After he added a couple chewable vitamins…

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In the hands of Foxie

Last week Jamie was caught carefully brushing a new doll’s long blond hair. Here’s a reminder, in case you missed it: Well, I thought I’d share what that perfectly coiffed doll looked like later that same day (after Foxie got a hold of her): Being a well-loved toy has its price.

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