Chimpanzee Enrichment - Semi-Permanent Enrichment

Semi-permanent enrichment consists of items that are removable but remain in the enclosure for several months or years usually because of their size, weight, etc.

Tatu

Hanging Fire Hoses

Fire hoses are hung from the walls and ceiling of the enclosure. They are secured by using clamps or a secure knot. The hoses are strong enough to hold the chimpanzees' weight and withstand climbing and swinging. The hoses' integrity are regularly monitored.

Hanging Garden Hoses

Garden hoses are sometimes tied to the ceiling of the caging. We secure both ends to make a hammock. The hoses must be strong enough to hold the chimpanzees' weight and withstand climbing and swinging. The hoses' are regularly monitored for the chimpanzees' safety.

Tatu

Tires

Tractor tires and car tires are used inside of the chimpanzees' enclosures. Tires are bolted to the floor to stand vertically and some tires are left unattached the chimpanzees may move them around as they wish.

Tire Swing

Some tires are used as swings by using secure hosing to tie the tire to the ceiling of the enclosures.

Dar

Cargo Nets

Several cargo nets are used throughout the chimpanzees' enclosure. The nets have been purchased or fashioned by the chimpanzees' human caregivers using fire hoses or pieces of tires. We fasten the four corners of the cargo net to permanent structures in the enclosure. The cargo nets at CHCI are used for nesting and climbing.

Moja

Spools

The caregivers place wooden or plastic spools in the chimpanzees' enclosure. Some of these spools have been in the enclosures for years and the chimpanzees use them daily as sitting and resting places.

Dead Trees

Downed or cut trees are occasionally donated to the Institute and we place them into the outdoor enclosure. The chimpanzees like to forage through the leaves and climb on the tree. The tree may be left in the enclosure for several days before being removed.