Chimpanzee Enrichment - Social Enrichment

Plastic Masks

A variety of plastic masks are offered to the chimpanzees. A human enricher and/or a chimpanzee can wear a mask to engage in a mask game.

Looking at Picture Books or Magazines

The enricher can show the chimpanzee picture books through fencing or glass. The enricher can also place these objects in the enclosure or give them to the chimpanzees while interacting. Enrichers can also hold a book or magazine and allow the chimpanzees to turn the pages.

Bags or purses

The human enricher fills a bag with various objects of interest while out of sight of the chimpanzees. The objects can be wrapped in paper sacks, clothes, or smaller purses. The enricher then approaches the chimpanzee enclosure while carrying the bag. If the chimpanzees show interest in the bag they point to various objects for the enricher to open. Objects can then be used to interact with the chimpanzees.

Make-up

A human enricher can show the chimpanzees how to apply make-up, and can then apply the make-up to the chimpanzee's face. The enricher can hold a glass mirror, or give a plastic mirror, to the chimpanzees. Enrichers tend to limit the amount of make-up offered to the chimpanzees, as the chimpanzees at CHCI sometimes eat it.

Drawing, Coloring, and Painting

An enricher places paper and drawing utensils like crayons and chalk in the chimpanzees' enclosure. The enricher may also have similar materials outside of the enclosure. The enricher then interacts with the chimpanzees by allowing them to watch him/her draw, sharing materials with the chimpanzees, or encouraging the chimpanzee to draw. Like make-up, art materials can also make a tasty treat, so quantities are limited.

Painting

The enricher offers the chimpanzee painting supplies. Paints can be kept outside the enclosure within the reach of a particular brush. Paper and paint brushes can be given to the chimpanzee. Variety can be added by presenting different colors of paper and non-toxic paints. Also, various sizes of brushes can provide the chimpanzee with options. The chimpanzees at CHCI sometimes eat the paint, therefore, enrichers limit the amount of paint they give the chimpanzees.

Tug of War

The human enricher threads a piece of hose through the caging into the chimpanzee enclosure. The human can make chimpanzee play faces and encourage the chimpanzee to tug on the hose. The human tugs on the hose outside of the caging or uses the end of the hose to tickle the chimpanzee. The enricher should be prepared to let go of the hose if he or she is too close to the caging.

Chase

The human enricher runs back and forth along the chimpanzees' caging or glass observation area during a play interaction. Play faces, foot stomps, and play walk are also part of this interaction.

Brushing/Grooming

The human enricher uses the brush or comb to brush the chimpanzees' hair while they press against the fence.

Blowing Bubbles

The human enricher blows bubbles through the caging into the chimpanzee enclosure or just blows bubbles in view of the chimpanzees.

Hot Drinks

During cleaning, the chimpanzees often ask for hot drinks. These are supplied by giving them drinks from the cleaning hose.

Tickle

The human enricher uses a hose or plastic toy to tickle a chimpanzee through the caging.

Hidden Treats

While the chimpanzees are watching, a human enricher hides treats outside the chimpanzee enclosure. The enricher then leaves the area. The chimpanzees at CHCI will direct other enrichers to where the treats are hidden.

Peek-a-boo

The human enricher can play peek-a-boo by hiding their face behind their hands, magazines, or clothes. The enricher can give the chimpanzee magazines or clothes to hide behind as well.

Play Dough

The human enricher can show the chimpanzees how to use the containers and cookie cutters to shape the dough. Then they give the chimpanzees some dough to manipulate. Since the chimpanzees at CHCI sometimes eat the play dough, enrichers limit the amount of play dough they give to the chimpanzees.