Sheena

Sheena is the oldest female chimp in her group in Laurie and Carlee McGrath Chateau, as well as the third oldest female resident at the sanctuary overall. According to her caregivers, she’s “a sweet old lady who is always watching and observing her care staff!” She loves taking naps outside in the habitat and has been developing stronger relationships with the male chimps in her family.

Sheena has several favorite foods including peanut butter, apples, sweet potatoes, and green beans. Her love of green beans earned her the nickname “Sheen Bean” or “Beans” for short, both of which she responds to, but that’s not the only food-related title she’s earned! When she’s relaxing, Sheena has a habit of tucking in all her arms and legs and rolling up into a round shape that resembles a potato, coining the phrase “potatoing.” Most of the time there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to why she does this — perhaps she just finds the position comfortable!

When you come for a visit, you may notice Sheena right away because she almost always has a plush toy chimp with her, carrying it on her back or shoulders while walking through the habitat. So, if you see a chimp in the South Peachtree Habitat napping with a plush chimp or “potatoing” on the grass while enjoying the sunshine, it’s probably Sheena!