In addition to our residents living in an enriched environment (3-acre islands complete with climbing structures, natural vegetation, hammocks, and hanging toys), they receive a variety of enrichment activities each day. Enrichment is anything that promotes physical activity or mental stimulation. Here are just a few examples of enrichment items our residents receive.

 

Shake, shake, shake to get the seeds out! Slits are cut into tennis balls and the ball is stuffed with sunflower seeds. Our residents find the tennis balls and then squeeze and shake them to slowly get the seeds out. Tammy enjoys her tennis ball enrichment on the patio of the island.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the most handsome of all? We know what Luke would say; he never passes up the opportunity to admire himself in the mirror. He will even watch himself eat bananas!

Who doesn’t love playing with bubbles!? These tubs can be used for multiple purposes such as filled with hay and dried fruit for the chimps to sift through. When empty the chimps also enjoy just sitting in them! In this case it was filled with a non-toxic bubble solution and Marlon decided it was the perfect opportunity to give his toy a bath.

These are just a few of the MANY ways we keep our residents active and engaged. We will continue to share more enrichment information with you throughout the month. Your donations allow us to give our chimpanzee residents the retirement they deserve, in an enriched environment. Thank you.

On behalf of the more than 220 chimpanzees in our care, thank you for your compassion and generosity.