Posts by Anna
Chimp “pockets”
If a chimpanzee finds an object to be important or intriguing, they will often stow it in the area on their body we call the “pelvic pocket.” This spot isn’t an actual pocket or pouch like you might imagine, it just happens to be the area between the hip, thigh, and torso that they seem…
Read MoreBurrito and Tool Use
Around the sanctuary, Jamie is known for her amazing tool using abilities. With a long tool and flick of her wrist, she can get just about anything she wants that happens to be lying on the other side of the caging. Burrito on the other hand, can be a bit too blustery for such business.…
Read MoreThe Watcher
Jamie chimpanzee is a person with many talents. One of her extraordinary skills happens to be an almost total awareness of her surroundings. Not many things slip by her. She regulates all activities at the sanctuary, and makes sure everyone knows about it. While Jamie can’t actually access places like the highway, neighboring houses, and…
Read MoreThree tips for beating the heat- Chimpanzee style.
Tip #1: Exercise first thing in the morning (or late at night if you ask Jamie)… Boss Jamie (front) and her posse explore Young’s Hill first thing this morning : Tip #2: Nap in the coolest area of your home, keeping your limbs elevated… If done properly you may even require a light blanket… Jamie…
Read MoreAnnie Chimpanzee
Annie has all the personality qualities that make up a truly lovely individual. She is adventurous, kind, loving and quiet, with just a touch of mischievous up-and-comer. Oh and did we mention she’s beautiful?
Read MoreIntroducing the Database of Chimpanzee Enrichment!
The unfortunate reality for all chimpanzees that face captivity (even ones in a high-quality sanctuary) is that captive life can be boring. Chimpanzees are highly intelligent and active primates, and the truth is that no enclosure could possibly replicate the constant changes and choices that free-living situations provide. Another unfortunate reality is chimpanzees that have…
Read MoreThe sound of Sanctuary
One of the great things about Young’s Hill is that each morning it has something slightly different to offer the chimpanzees as far as enrichment goes. Some days the chimps might find a snake that causes alarm , while other days there might be a new plant in season to be sampled. Or maybe, there…
Read MoreGarden anticipation!
When caregivers so much as glance towards the garden growing outside the walls of the playroom, there is always a chimpanzee or two keeping a watch to make sure they aren’t missing out on something. Today was no different, as volunteers Denice and Yuri tackled the weeding in the garden beds, I caught several members…
Read MoreThe continuing adventures of Negra Chimpanzee
Just off to the side of the newest Young’s Hill structure (aptly named “Twister”) lies another “garden” mound of prickly lettuce. As caregivers searched to identify all seven chimpanzees so we could safely enter and clean the chimpanzee-free front rooms this morning, this is where we found Negra! It’s the farthest I have yet to…
Read MoreJamie’s “bed”
Sometimes chimpanzees find the most curious ways to relax…
Read MoreNegra opts out
Independence is a trait we celebrate in the chimpanzee sanctuary community. If a chimpanzee exhibits independence, it means they take advantage of the sanctuary environment they are provided with, and choose to do what they want, when they want it. You may recall that Jamie shows a deep independent streak when it comes to letting…
Read MoreCompanions
The Hoot! Gala this year was a huge success! The generous donations of many supporters this weekend has left the humans at the sanctuary buzzing with excitement for the future of the sanctuary! If you missed our newest announcements, check out the video below! As I walked around Young’s Hill with Jamie this morning, I…
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