Plush Toys

By Jalil Goosby

Of all the toys that we give to chimpanzees, plush toys are often the shortest lived. Stuffed animals already have a rough time lasting with medium to large sized dogs. A full-grown chimpanzee plays around much rougher than a dog would.

Stuffed animals at the sanctuary usually last a few days before needing to be discarded. Because of this, some chimps here at the sanctuary aren’t allowed to have some of the more fragile toys. However, some chimps have much more of a gentle touch when it comes to their toys. Instead of ripping them apart unintentionally, these chimps instead choose to keep their plush toys around for the long haul!

T.L.Chimpanzee!

Kennedy is a 16-year-old male who is best known for his tough exterior. He has found himself high ranking in his group, Laurie & Carlee McGrath Chateau’s A side. Despite his tough exterior, Kennedy is a big softie on the inside who loves playing with plush toys! His Chance the Chimpanzee plush made by Viahart, has quickly become the go to companion for Kennedy.

Despite being originally made for much younger children, this primate plush can always be seen by Kennedy’s side. “Kennedy treats his toy carefully and makes sure to bring it from room to room,” says caregiver Sam Jones, “When he eats, he likes to sit the toy right up next to him. When he naps, he likes to lounge with it, but sometimes he ends up using it as a pillow! It is a plush toy after all!” This love for plush toys that Kennedy has is one that is also shared by other chimpanzees at the sanctuary, like Betty!

Betty’s First Friend!

Betty, a 21-year-old female at the sanctuary regularly enjoys keeping a similar plush toy to Kennedy’s nearby. Betty has had a long road of growth here at the sanctuary. Initially she was very shy and reserved compared to the other chimpanzees in her group. Her best chimp friend is Harriett, but she always has the plush toy nearby.

“She really enjoys carrying her toy around on her back both inside and outside in the enclosure,” says Sam, “Before Betty went outside for the very first time, she actually used the plush to test if things were okay. She held it outside as if she was having it scout for her.” Despite her initial shyness, Betty has really grown during her time here at the sanctuary. Caregivers have been delighted to find that Betty now regularly socializes with the rest her group and even asserts herself during her mealtimes! She has come a long way, but she always had her favorite plush toy with her every step of the way!

If you’d like to donate to help the many chimps at the sanctuary find their own ways to play, we invite you to visit our Amazon Wish List. Or visit the Ways to Give page on the Project Chimps website.