Chimpanzees are incredibly intelligent animals requiring a vast array of mentally stimulating daily activities. We strive to provide the utmost care for our residents in every way possible, and one way we do this is through our extensive enrichment program. In addition to living in an enriched environment, our residents receive several different types of enrichment each day in the form of forage, sensory enrichment, and devices.
Forage can be many different things, mixed beans, small chunks of fresh produce, frozen berries, nuts, seeds, and more. Forage can be many different things, mixed beans, small chunks of fresh produce, frozen berries, nuts, seeds, and more. In addition to a daily forage item, the chimps’ bedrooms are stocked with a different sensory enrichment. Sensory items attempt to stimulate taste, touch, sight, and sound. We have mirrors, tubs filled with nontoxic bubbles, radios, shredded paper, nesting materials, books, brushes, stuffed animals, nontoxic paint parties, varying toys, extracts misted throughout the bedrooms, and so many more.
The most stimulating of the enrichment activities they receive in a day are devices. Devices are crafted to be a bit of a challenge for our residents. One of our unique devices are the fake termite mounds on each island that require the chimps to craft and use tools, like sticks or bamboo, to extract the “termites” (in this case, sugar-free apple sauce).
Another challenging device often used are “puzzle boxes”; these are plexiglass boxes with different levels and openings like a maze. The chimps can then stick their fingers or tools through small holes and push treats (nuts and dried fruit, typically) through the maze until they fall out.
Another challenging device often used are “puzzle boxes”; these are plexiglass boxes with different levels and openings like a maze. The chimps can then stick their fingers or tools through small holes and push treats (nuts and dried fruit, typically) through the maze until they fall out.
Our Care Staff works hard to brainstorm new and innovative activities that will stimulate the minds and enrich the lives of our residents. You can support our enrichment program with a one-time or recurring donation or sponsor specific enrichment items through our wishlist store.
Thank you for helping us give them the retirement they deserve.
On behalf of the more than 220 chimpanzees in our care, thank you for your compassion and generosity.