Do Chimps See Color the Same Way We Do?
By Marissa Pena
As our closest living relatives, chimpanzees and humans share a lot of similarities. We both show our emotions through facial expressions, have strong problem-solving capabilities, and cheer each other up when we’re upset. But did you know that we see color similarly as well?
Trichromatic Color Vision
According to the trichromatic theory of color vision, how we see color is determined by three cone-shaped receptors located in the retina. Each cone is most receptive to a specific type of wavelength it then interprets into either blue, green, or red. It’s the combination of these photoreceptors that allow us to see the world the way we do.
Like humans, chimpanzees are trichromatic, allowing them to pick up on the same spectrum of color we see. It’s also why volunteers at Project Chimps may be more likely to get splashed than staff — the chimps can tell them apart by the color of their shirts!
Color Recognition at Project Chimps
Aside from helping the chimps choose their preferred targets, color recognition has other benefits within the sanctuary. Kris Pritchard, our Behavior Coordinator, explained how color recognition can be a helpful part of stationing chimps.
“Color recognition can become important for a couple of reasons,” she says. “One being if we need to station a chimp, so if we’ve trained them to go to a particular color with positive reinforcement. Sometimes we’ll do that with the alpha or even a couple other dominant animals within a troop: if they stay at their color, it can allow us to do cooperative feeding at times if we need to.”
It can be a part of enrichment too! In past experience working with a particular chimp on color recognition, she recalls placing different colors around the habitat. The chimp would pick his assigned color from the bunch, bring it back, and receive positive reinforcement.
Color Preference in Chimpanzees
How we see color is one thing, but there’s another thing humans and chimps have in common, and that’s color preference! While not every chimpanzee makes their preferences known, Nyia and Jabari are two notable exceptions. Both of them absolutely love the color blue!
“Nyia is probably the most particular,” Pritchard says regarding blanket choices among the chimps. “She only likes one type of material, and she likes blue. So, she will choose a blue blanket with a particular material over anything else and she’ll carry that around.”
Meanwhile, Jabari shows his preference for blue most clearly in his choice of toys.
“Jabari loves his blue toys, any type of toy. In Cedar Tree, when I go to put out toys I always try and put out a blue item so that he’ll have it. He just likes the color blue a lot,” she explains.
Why Blue?
It’s hard to say for sure why we prefer certain colors over others — sometimes we just do! Still, knowing both Nyia and Jabari love blue is especially interesting when we consider the popularity of blue among humans.
In a 2014 YouGov survey, blue was consistently voted the most popular color across 10 different countries. Some psychologists theorize this might be a result of positive color association. Unlike other colors, most of the things we tend to associate with blue are often positive. Blue could recall images of a clear blue sky or memories of a fun day at the pool or beach.
But while blue may be Nyia and Jabari’s favorite, it’s not necessarily representative of a larger trend among chimpanzees.
In a specific study on the subject, color preference was pretty evenly split among the six participating chimpanzees. At least one chimp displayed a preference for every tested color group, showing favorite colors come down to the individual. In fact, the only chimp to show a strong aversion to any of the tested colors was in response to the color blue!
How We See Color Preference at Project Chimps
The way we see it, Nyia’s favorite blanket and Jabari’s preference for blue toys are just another part of how every individual chimpanzee in our sanctuary is free to express themselves.
While color is very important to some, others feel strongly about texture, and still others might not care either way! At Project Chimps, the most important thing is that every chimp has a choice to decide on their own. And thanks to our generous donors, that’s exactly what we’re able to provide.
“Because we supply them with several enrichment items, there’s always quite a few options,” says our Behavior Coordinator. “We have tan blankets, green blankets, red blankets, and if a chimp has a preference, they will take those items and there’s plenty of items for the rest of the troop.”
Every donation we receive makes a positive difference in the lives of these chimps. Thanks to them, each chimp can express their likes, dislikes, and their unique personalities. Whether it’s blue toys for Jabari, Nyia’s favorite blanket, or a monthly donation, your support makes it possible to give them the exemplary care they deserve.
If you’d like to be a part of our mission, consider checking out our Amazon Wish List or donating today!
