An Evaluation of Nest-Building Behavior by Sanctuary Chimpanzees with Access to Forested Habitats

Abstract

All of the great apes build nests, but captive chimpanzees rarely have vegetation from which to build nests. The forested environment at Chimp Haven does allow captive chimpanzees to build nests of natural vegetation. Between February 2007 and December 2010, 238 nests were found in 2 forested habitats. Nests were made of naturally available vegetation, and more nests were made on the ground than in the trees (Z = 7.27, p < 0.001); nests were also built in the interior forest rather than on the periphery (Z = 7.06, p < 0.001). There was no correlation between the number of months in the habitat and the nests built per chimpanzee (r_s = -0.07, p = 0.52). More nests were observed when more wild-born females were in the group (r_s = 0.27, p = 0.01), and during warmer temperatures (r_s = 0.45, p < 0.001). These findings support the goal of naturalistic environments in suitable climates for captive chimpanzees.

Survey of Behavioral Indices of Welfare in Research Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in the United States

“…It is laudable that similar research is becoming more widespread in zoos 48,51,89 and has recently been published by some sanctuaries. 45,55,56 Here we provide information regarding the current state of chimpanzee care and management in research facilities in the United States, including assessment of some aspects of their care (for example social group size, outdoor access) as it relates to recently proposed recommendations. 75 In addition, some data for zoo-living chimpanzees in the United States are provided as a point of reference for interpreting the information about research chimpanzees.…”

An evaluation of video cameras for collecting observational data on sanctuary‐housed chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

“…The group inhabited a 2 ha forested enclosure bound by concrete walls and a water moat (Figure ) with access to two buildings containing 3–4 inter‐connected bedrooms (1,193 m 2 indoor space). Chimpanzees had access to multiple climbing and resting structures, enrichment items (e.g., hammocks, plastic toys), and nesting materials (Fultz et al, ). Twice daily, chimpanzees were fed fresh produce and a commercially available primate diet.…”

A unique zoo‐sanctuary collaboration for chimpanzees

“…To this end, Chimp Haven has employed research staff, post‐doctoral fellows and research interns virtually since its opening. Like the Fisher Center team at Lincoln Park Zoo, Chimp Haven staff have published peer‐reviewed papers on chimpanzee behavior and management to disseminate their research findings and expertise (e.g., Case, Fultz, Cohen, & Loeser, ; Fultz and Case, 2018; Fultz, Brent, Breaux, & Grand, ). In addition, Chimp Haven has long‐adopted programs aimed at public education.…”