Meet the Family - Moja's Biography

Moja passed away in 2002.

Moja was the second eldest chimpanzee at CHCI. Her name sign is the fingertips of an "M" hand drawn across the opposite palm. Moja was born on November 18, 1972 at LEMSIP (Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Surgery in Primates) in Tuxedo, New York. Moja died on June 6, 2002, at the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute.

Moja was the chimpanzee at CHCI who was most likely to dress herself in clothes and frequently used mirrors to groom or just to gaze at herself.

Full Name: Moja Lemsip. Moja is the Swahili word for "first," as she was the first chimpanzee in Gardners' second project. LEMSIP is the name of the lab where Moja was born.

Pronunciation: mo' zha

Name Sign: “M” drawn across opposite palm. Refers to Moja’s birthplace, New York, which is a“Y” drawn across the opposite palm.

Date Of Birth: November 18, 1972.

Date of Death: June 6, 2002. Moja died after a very brief illness at the Chimpanzee & Human Communication Institute. We are not positive why she died, but the results from her autopsy suggest that her death may have been caused by a tiny portion of the small intestine that became septic (infected). She was in excellent health prior to her death.

Please visit the Moja tribute page, where you'll find thoughts on the passage of this beautiful soul and reflections on how she touched those around her.

Place Of Birth: Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Surgery in Primates (LEMSIP) in Tuxedo, New York.

Taxonomic Classification: Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii (presumed classification)

Early Childhood/Rearing Conditions: Moja was cross fostered by Drs. Beatrix T. and R. Allen Gardner from 1972 - 1979 and joined the Foutses, Washoe and Loulis at the University of Oklahoma in 1979. She came to Central Washington University in 1980 with Washoe, Loulis and the Foutses.

Personal: Moja was the least dominant member of the family. She was high strung and seemed to be somewhat insecure. Moja was also a bold explorer of the outdoor enclosure and the chimpanzee most likely to be seen wearing clothes.

Favorite Activities: Moja was often found looking at herself in mirrors, brushing her hair, and dressed up in clothes, particularly if they were red, her favorite color. Moja also spent a lot of time interacting with her human caregivers and often played games of peekaboo. She and Tatu frequently played games of tag or chase. When outside she was frequently seen climbing, swinging and running. She often played with Velcro and would point it out on the clothing of caregivers.

Favorite Foods: Moja seemed to really enjoy onions, farina, peanut butter on celery, pickle juice, and Zupreem (a protein biscuit).