Pioneer: Help Improve Lives of
Primates in Captivity
Primates have a complex social system and in the
wild are able to find endless sources of stimulation in their
natural environment. In captivity, zookeepers need to create
a setting filled with enriching activities to keep the chimpanzees
and gorillas happy and healthy. You can help these zookeepers
by creating enrichment materials for use with the great apes
and other animals.
Primate Enrichment:
Zoos appreciate help from people who
want to make the lives of captive animals better. However,
each zoo has different needs and requirements for enrichment
donations. Before starting a project, contact your local
zoo and find out what items are most desirable. The education
department at the zoo will either have the information,
or will be able to get it for you. Below, you will see
how two groups worked closely with their local organizations
to benefit captive great apes.
Enrichment Projects and Resources:
In Ohio, Amelia’s
Wild Friends Roots & Shoots group grows fresh produce
for gorillas at their local zoo. They planted and harvested
green beans, carrots, corn, broccoli, cabbage, zucchini,
and peppers.
Enrichment
Online, produced by the Fort Worth Zoo, provides
suggestions and information to create and order enrichment
activities for captive animals. Navigate through the
website to learn about activities that will enrich the
lives of captive animals, including chimpanzees, gorillas,
and orangutans.
Students from the Roots & Shoots College Summit constructed
a hammock
out of fire hose for captive chimpanzees to use.
Experts at the Central Washington University Chimpanzee
and Human Communication Institute (CHCI) provide
enrichment activities for chimpanzees. CHCI works with
Washoe and other chimpanzees who use American Sign Language,
incorporating many of these activities into their daily
lives.
You can also help improve the lives of chimps recently
retired from being used for medical research.
