THE CHIMPS…… and us

......As you can see on the home page, Optimus is settling into Chicago weather quite nicely and all of the chimps are doing well. The people at Lincoln Park Zoo were very impressed when our chimps went right to the termite mound and started digging. That was really nothing new to them. They have been using tools to probe into fire ant mounds for most of their lives. Besides, we know they are very smart chimps.

......February was a very busy month, we had our behavior class for six weeks and it was a terrific class, usually about 12 students. Most of the class were very faithful about attending each class and asking lots of important questions. Some had to drop out with illness and other problems so we hope they will be able to come to the next class. We were training a lot of new observers out in the preserve at the same time so we are looking for a lot of data to be produced in the next year.

......Our February enrichment was not exciting but very busy. We did jello bottles and tubes and socks and honey jars all piled up for the keepers to have for treats. There was a wonderful turnout - it was hard to keep everyone busy, but I sure hope that good attendance continues so that we can produce some interesting puzzles, and other activities besides food for our chimps. We are going to offer some new ideas to Terry at the March 2 meeting and hopefully that will start us on some new projects.

......Bev Scott went to Miami for three days to learn to be a part of a research project about juvenile males. She said it was very hard and intense but very rewarding and fun. She will be telling us about it at the bimonthly meeting on March 2nd so do come and learn what she is doing and how we can help her. Since we only have one juvenile male, Figment, all of Bev’s time from now to October will be spent observing him. If you see her out in the preserve, please do not bother her if she has her binoculars up to her eyes. She can not talk to you while she is observing.

......All of the chimps seem to be doing well, even our diabetics. Melody is having her ups and downs but she has put on the weight she lost. There seems to be harmony and good feelings in all of the groups now that a few changes have been made. Naturally, you still hear and see some altercations but they are usually minor. It is so peaceful to sit and observe and see the chimps playing and teasing one another. The new feeding boxes are slowly appearing on the islands. Right now they are on Island Four and Island Five. The next one to be placed will be on Island One. When they are all in place, the rotation can go back to normal.

......In case you go out to observe on weekends, there will be no chimps on Island Five. All the chimps will be on the outer islands so that the public can better see them.

......It is a very exciting and hopeful time for our chimpanzee group. If you have any interested friends, do bring them.

Thanks to Karen Brynes for the pictures

…..and STUFF

......We used to celebrate the chimps birthdays and I am wondering if that would be something to think about again. I would like to hear opinions and perhaps we will have time to talk about it at the March 2nd meeting.

......Having just finished a behavior class it is hard to believe that we have enough people waiting for another one, so Ernie has agreed to teach the class again beginning Wednesday, March 30 and continuing for six Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. It is always open to new and not so new observers, in fact, old observers are welcome too, so let me know if you are interested.

......Since our next enrichment is the Sunday before Easter, we will be concentrating on Easter treats for the chimps. It is too late to make the paper machie eggs that day, but I was wondering if a few of you might be interested in coming to my house sometime before that to make the eggs, then we could decorated them and fill them at enrichment. If you think you might enjoy that, let me know and we will set a date. If your neighborhood has yard sales, be on the look out for stuffed animals and other toys or clothes. I find stuff driving by my neighbors trash too. Amazing what people throw out.

......Anyone who wants to meet with me out in the preserve has only to email (e_conn@bellsouth.net) or phone me at
561-965-1250. I will get back to you promptly to make a date. Bill Platti has offered to go out with observers also, on Higgy’s group or Ian’s group so one of us can surely make it at your convenience. I don’t want you to feel you have to go out with someone, you are welcome to go out anytime on your own. I just don’t want anyone with problems or questions to feel they are all alone in this. Help is only a phone call away.

......Everybody should be taking advantage of this weather - those of you who have been with us a while know how hot it gets in the summer, so try to get out to observe now. I haven’t seen a lot of our seasoned observers out in the preserve lately. Come on out. The chimps are waiting to see you.