Posts by Project Chimps
The Role of “Auntie” in Female Chimps
Chimps have these ambiguous female figures too! Growing up without their mom, our orphaned lab chimps rely even more heavily on the guidance of older influences.
Older female chimps who take young female groupmates under their metaphorical wing, I call “aunties.” But really, they’re just old ladies showing young girls the ropes.
Chimp Faces: Noticing & Reading Facial Expressions
Caregiver Aide Mackenzie explains the importance of closely observing the chimps, saying, “With the chimps we have to watch very carefully to determine how they’re feeling.” Staff must develop an understanding of the chimps’ baseline body and facial expressions so they can tell when something is ‘off’.
Read MoreLove at First Sight for Jill Nielsen
Jill’s story of getting involved with Project Chimps was one of ‘love at first sight.’ When she visited the sanctuary years ago, she knew she had both the passion and education to help the chimps in a way not many others could.
Read MoreWith Guide Mimi Ackerman, Tours are Special
Mimi Ackerman has been volunteering at Project Chimps for two years, and it is moments like this where her experience really shines. She encourages even the apprehensive infant to reach out his arm toward the latest chimp to have wandered over to this family.
Read MoreEasy to Volunteer at PC
Pete Cutter finds it easy to volunteer at a non-profit like this one. Perhaps the most ‘creative’ in his volunteering of anyone on campus, Pete thinks out of the box for the chimps.
Read MoreFrom Studying Chimps to Seeing Chimps
Studying chimps in her textbooks, India ultimately discovered, does not compare to meeting them in real life. She remembers her first day at Project Chimps clearly, because on this day she came face to face with a chimp for the first time.
Read MoreChimpanzee Menstrual Cycles
By Kayla Adgate Have you ever noticed that female chimpanzees seem to have a saggy bottom? That’s called a swelling and it’s an important part of their anatomy. Swelling, Health, and Fertility Although there is some conjecture regarding its exact function, scientists agree that chimp tumescence, or the process of swelling, and menstruation are physical…
Read MoreBig Girls, Little Girls, Middle Girls: Female Chimps Learn From Each Other
When chimps come to sanctuary, they may be interacting with other chimps (or chimps of the opposite sex) for the first time. They may fail to understand social norms, and feel awkward, unsure, or anxious around other chimps. These interactions can be tricky because the chimps haven’t learned lessons that mom usually instills during childhood.
Read MoreTraci Holliday Finds Community at Project Chimps
Traci Holliday climbs up the trail, explaining all its different features and who in the community at Project Chimps helped make them happen. no path through this wilderness.
Read MoreChimps Helping Chimps – Chimps Healing Chimps
Treating ex lab chimps—who have undergone countless procedures before retiring at sanctuary—is complicated. Staff at Project Chimps are highly sensitive to chimp residents who are averse to needles, mistrusting of humans, or have other hold-ups stemming from their traumatic past.
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