Celebrating HAYLEE’s 15th birthday!
There’s lots of excitement in the air at Project Chimps, because today we’re celebrating Haylee’s 15th birthday! We can’t wait to tell you all about this special chimp and some of what makes her so unique!
Haylee first arrived at Project Chimps in 2018, making this her 7th birthday at the sanctuary! She’s one of the youngest in her group and has a reputation for being a bit of a troublemaker. She’s well known for her antics such as spitting water at new caregivers and “fishing” for humans. How does she do this, you may ask? Haylee casts her line by using the stick tools caregivers provide for fishing tubes to try to poke care staff as they attach the tubes to the mesh!
Haylee is BFFs with another young female chimp at the sanctuary, Tristen. They spend a lot of time grooming and delaying shifts together, but recently care staff have noticed a new trend in their friendship. Previously, if Haylee wanted Tristen’s food, she would hand it over without a fight. However, lately Tristen has been holding onto her food and even resisting if Haylee cries or throws a fit for not getting what she wants from her friend. Care staff have noticed both Haylee and Tristen choosing to eat with other group members recently.
Overall, Haylee is a high energy girl who loves pranks, dancing, and watching tour groups from the bedroom window. She’s also a big fan of hanging enrichment items! Anything new to hang, swing, bang, or climb on is always a hit with her. However, her absolute favorite thing is when humans dance for her! When a school group came by recently, one of her caregivers let the kids know that Haylee loves dancing. That was all the class needed to hear before they burst into dance for Haylee’s viewing pleasure!
Today on October 14th, we hope you’ll help wish Haylee a happy 15th birthday! If you’d like to send a gift, please consider a new toy from our Amazon Wishlist, especially if it’s pink! Whether you send a gift or make a donation in her honor, thank you so much for supporting her care!
Haylee is also one of the featured chimps you can sponsor monthly or annually here at Project Chimps! By sponsoring Haylee, you can support her continued care and hear all about her recent adventures in sanctuary.
Happy 15th birthday, Haylee! You’ll always be our favorite troublemaker!