The Perfect Companion - Project Chimps

By Jalil Goosby

Most toy manufacturers design toys for a singular purpose, while others create toys with a wide range of different ways to play in mind. Chimpanzees prove to be incredibly intelligent creatures, each with different personalities that influence the many ways they play. Some chimps prefer complex toys, and there are others that find simple toys more appealing.

One such chimp is Emma, a 19-year-old female at the sanctuary. Caregivers often regard Emma as one of the smartest chimps in the sanctuary. She enjoys puzzle-solving and surprising caregivers at the sanctuary with her ingenuity. Emma is usually among some of the first chimps at the sanctuary to solve new puzzles.

When she’s not blazing through tricky puzzles, the ever-intelligent Emma can often be seen carrying her favorite plush snake squeaky toy. While simple in nature, this toy has proven to be her perfect companion.

Emma’s Favorite Toy

When it comes to playtime, Emma’s toy of choice happens to be an Outward Hound brand XL Snake plush toy. Originally meant for large dogs, this toy is unique in that it provides the fun and comfort of a plush toy, without sacrificing durability.

Thanks to its double stitched lining, the toy is the perfect companion for a powerful, albeit playful chimpanzee. The flexible green plush toy includes 6 squeaking segments that can miraculously continue to squeak even if punctured by the sharp teeth of a large dog, or in this case, a chimpanzee.

A Versatile Friend

Emma loves to carry her snake plush with her wherever she goes. Caregiver Jesse Ellsworth mentions that “Emma usually carries her snake plush lightly wrapped around her neck or even around her waist. She loves carrying them around the habitat.” When not carrying her toy with her, Emma loves to include her favorite toy in her nesting routines.

Jesse adds that “The snake toy is really versatile. To Emma it is something a little more than a blanket but also something that offers more complexity to her than a normal toy. Plus, it does squeak, which is always fun.”

In the wild, chimpanzees love to construct nests out of long, weavable materials like leaves and other grassy materials. Chimps are very picky when it comes to making their nests. Usually preferring to choose only the best materials for their bedding.

Emma looking at her options for nesting…or just playing

To a nesting chimp like Emma, her durable snake toy is perfect for weaving together with other materials. “It’s a great toy that really helps her personality shine through because it just has so many uses,” says Jesse, “as caregivers, we really get to see the gears in her head turn figuring out new ways to use the toy, and that’s honestly the best part. We’re constantly surprised by all the chimps, Emma included.”

Thanks to our generous supporters, Project Chimps is now well stocked with plush toys for the chimps, which help provide emotional enrichment.

If you’d like to donate to help other chimps find the perfect companion, we invite you to visit our Amazon Wish List. Or visit the Ways to Give page on the Project Chimps website.