The Art of Nest Building - Project Chimps

by Madelyn Kos

Just like humans, chimpanzees love to customize their space. Some chimps build nests on a daily basis, others have yet to figure out this activity or simply prefer the minimalist life of sleeping on the bare floor. But for those that build, you might say there is a special kind of artistic flare behind a chimp nest. Each nest is created from different materials and objects, used for different reasons, and they change every day!

So, let’s get into the art of nest building.

What are they made of?

Most nests built at Project Chimps consist of a variety of materials. Blankets, wood wool, paper, browse, hay, fire hose, and leftover enrichment are some of the main material used to create these unique nests. Toys and stuffed animals are also popular among the nest makers. Of course, the nests vary from chimp to chimp.

Wild chimps build nests made from branches from one or more trees. They weave together these branches and leaves on both the ground and in the trees, depending on what type of nest it is (nap nest versus night nest). At the sanctuary, the chimps are free to use a lot of material for their nest. We encourage complete artistic freedom when it comes to creating their nests. By providing comfortable blankets and diverse nesting supplies, this can help stimulate their nesting abilities.

Chimps build nests out of various materials. — Buttercup in her elaborate nest.

Every nest is unique

Nest building is usually a female led activity; to name a few individual artists and their unique style:

Noel loves to nest with comforters, blankets, and always adds a few toys.
Tiffany loves to use hay, wood wool, blankets, and of course; toys.
Almasi loves paper and sprinkles bits of paper throughout her nest.
Chloe always builds her nest up on the platform decking. If she is given a tub, she carries it up the stairs to her nesting spot and builds her nest inside the tub.
Latricia uses all and any material she can get! She loves to weave blankets and firehouse strips through toys for maximum nesting style.

A few males also participate. Leo has the habit of laying a blanket out flat and surrounding it with cardboard boxes.

Not every chimp wants to build a nest – and that’s okay! Sometimes a chimp may go lay in (or steal) someone else’s nest if it is unoccupied. This takes out the work of building and leads directly to a comfy nest. Some simply choose to lounge around on their designated decking area.

Not all chimps build nests. — Jermaine prefers to sleep on the bare decking.

Build and rebuild

When chimps build nests in the wild, they use it for however long they may need. At Project Chimps, the blankets used in their nests are cleared out and replaced every day. This way we are able to clean them and give them fresh blankets in exchange. This also allows for the chimps to create a new nest every day, exercising their artistic expertise.

Holly, a caregiver supervisor, mentioned how the most frequent nest building time happens when they nap, after dinner once the sun begins to set, and they start getting ready for bed. Since the nests are used for napping and lounging, it makes sense as to why these are popular times to create a nest.

At the end of the day, the art of nest building takes a lot of work. The chimps spend time creating their perfect nest and our caregivers spend a lot of time making sure the chimps have all the supplies they need. No single nest is the same, therefore there is a wonderful art behind the way chimps decide to build their nests.

If you would like to donate supplies to help the chimps create their nests, take a look at our Amazon Wishlist or donate to Project Chimps today!