May 2009 Archives

Friends of Washoe & CHCI blog readers:

Today as we invited the chimpanzees in for lunch I could see that Tatu was torn between committing to lunch on her own or waiting for Loulis to join her. She sat, indecisively, in Room 4 alternating between looking longingly towards the crackers that Rosie was already serving to Dar and looking out into the West playroom in search of Loulis. Unfortunately for and unbeknownst to Tatu the marching band was practicing in the library parking lot across the street and Loulis was much more interested in this sight than in any bean soup I might have to offer. I sat down on the floor next to room 4 and clapped for her attention. When she looked in my direction I vocally said, "Tatu, I promise you that Loulis is not interested in lunch. He's probably not coming in." Tatu looked at me, got up and walked out of room 4 towards the door connecting the West playroom and the Outdoor enclosure. I turned to Missie and said, "I guess she didn't believe me." As I said this Tatu paused and looked back in my direction.  I said, "I'm sorry Tatu, he's busy," and with that she turned around, picked up her sheets and joined Dar in the night enclosure area for lunch. 

I was volunteering as a presenter/observer guide during a recent chimposium. When it became time, I took a group of guests down to the observation area to view the chimpanzees in their home. When we came in, Tatu was sitting on the big tire in the West Room looking at a magazine. I noticed that she was signing CHEESE and so I told the group what she was signing. I began talking about something else in the room and soon after a guest asked me "Is this a sign?" referring to something Tatu was doing. When I looked at Tatu she had put her hands together in an approximation of CHEESE. I asked CHEESE with a raised brow to clarify. Tatu paused to look at me then flipped back through the magazine she was looking at and signed THAT CHEESE, pointing to an advertisement for a cheesy macaroni dish.

Dr. Carole Noon passed away on Saturday. Carole founded Save the Chimps in 1997 and continued as president of the organization until her death. Save the Chimps provides island sanctuaries in Florida for more than 150 chimpanzees, and is working to transition the many dozens of remaining Coulston lab chimpanzees to Florida as well. You can read more about the history of Save the Chimps on their website.

"Carole gave so much to our fellow apes and our chimpanzee kin. Chimpanzees have lost a great friend." ~ Deborah and Roger Fouts

"Carole was spirited, determined, and practical, the ingredients to her success in realizing a dream that changed the lives of hundreds of chimpanzees. Founding Save the Chimpanzees was an undertaking of incredible magnitude and I admire her dedication, courage, and realism.  Yes, the chimpanzee community has lost a great friend." ~ Mary Lee Jensvold