Grooming is a very important part of chimpanzee culture and serves to form alliances and strengthen bonds. The other night, there was a minor fight and Jamie got a couple of wounds on her foot and on her head. Missy is usually our most diligent groomer and often follows folks around trying to groom their injuries, which is exactly what she did for Jamie today. I suppose she could just be a clean-freak, or she could be strengthening her allies for the next conflict– it’s pretty smart either way.
Okay, it’s not summer (yet), but we have been having a heatwave in Cle Elum: temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s with lots of sun. As a result, the greenhouse is toasty warm. Here’s Annie enjoying the reprieve from winter and doing a little self-grooming.
A quick clip of two friends sharing a quiet moment together:
Today is a sponsor-a-day in honor of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest supporter Debbie Redwine.
Happy Birthday from the Sutter Coast Conglomerate Chimps, Debbie!
Here’s a photo of another chimpanzee conglomerate (Jody, Negra and Missy) to wish you a happy and relaxing day with friends:
Grooming is one of the most important activities in chimpanzee society. The caregivers at CSNW play an important role in the chimps’ social world, so we also groom with the chimps when they request it. Some of the chimps like to be groomed by their caregivers, but others, like Jamie, prefer to do the grooming.
Missy and Annie spent some time grooming on the platform outside this afternoon. It had just started to sprinkle, so Missy covered herself up with a blanket to stay dry.
When chimps find something good during grooming (usually a piece of dead skin), they will often inspect it. Here, Annie is holding out her lower lip to check something out.
Thanks to Karen and Don Young, LUSH Cosmetics, Anna Kircher and the blog readers, and everyone who donated during our 2nd Anniversary fundraising drive, we’ve been able to replace seven caged windows in the play room with clear, chimp-proof glass. In addition to flooding the playroom with light, there are some other benefits to these new windows:
Grooming, generally a very calm activity, is a really important part of chimpanzee culture. It establishes and strengthens friendships and alliances. Chimps part the hair and pick out any debris or dead skin. They also will groom scabs off of themselves and each other.
Left to right: Missy grooms Burrito’s head. Burrito grooms Foxie’s back. Foxie grooms Burrito’s arm.
Annie (right) grooms Missy’s face. Chimpanzees often use their lips as well as their fingers to groom themselves and others.
Jody (left) and Missy (right) groom Jamie (center, wearing scarf of trolls). This photo was taken shortly after Jamie had been ill for a few days and had been separated briefly from the group (though they could all still see each other). Grooming is very common when chimpanzees are reunited after even a short separation.
We really can’t thank you enough for following the lives of the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees and helping to fill their new lives with love and happiness.
The last two years have been remarkable.
This video is for you:
When Foxie first came to the sanctuary, she was pretty shy. It was clear she did not want any of the toys, blankets and other objects that we gave the chimpanzees every day. Then, she adopted a troll doll, which we named Trixie.
That’s when the troll soap opera began. At first, Foxie was very protective of her dolls and did not want anyone else to touch them. She’s come a long way.
In the video below, she is teasing Jamie with a game of keep-away. Foxie still has her limits, though, when it comes to her prized possessions. And perhaps Jamie has softened up a bit when it comes to Foxie and her dolls.
It’s a longer video than normal, but it will make a bad day good and a good day better, so take a break for a few minutes and watch it.
Negra Hoodie
It's still cold out there (unless you live in a tropical paradise). Envelope yourself in the soft warmth of the most comfortable pullover hoodie on the planet. Price reduced by 5 bucks! Get yours today! Shop for all items in the online store.
Tickets on sale now for the fourth annual Sippin' for the Seven! New this year - an online art auction open for everyone, no matter your location. Buy tickets and register for the auction (auction items will be posted in March and bidding opens March 24th) on the Biddin' for the Seven auction site. For more information, visit the Sippin' event page.
Chimp Sanctuary NW blog
