Обитатели приюта Chimp Haven успешно разгадали сложную головоломку с кокосами

KEITHVILLE, La. - Chimp Haven residents put their problem-solving skills to the test Wednesday for World Coconut Day, taking on a particularly tough enrichment challenge: whole coconuts. Across the sanctuary’s forested habitats, chimpanzees used their own techniques to crack into the hard-shelled treats. The coconuts gave the chimpanzees a chance to investigate and experiment with how best to reach the reward inside. As often happens with enrichment at the world's largest chimpanzee sanctuary, each resident brought a distinct strategy to the task. “Coconuts create a fun, complex challenge because there is no single way to open them,” said Michelle Reininger, Chimp Haven's Colony Director. “The chimpanzees can experiment, watch one another and choose where they want to work. Seeing such different strategies is a great example of how enrichment supports problem-solving while allowing each chimp's personality to come through.” Chimpanzees used a variety of techniques to open their coconuts. December quickly got to work, knocking his coconut against a new habitat structure, and Mocha followed his lead, while other group members tried striking theirs against the dirt with less success. Jeff Lebowski took more time to solve the puzzle and looked to Pearl, an experienced coconut cracker, for cues, while Halley chose a quieter approach, settling off to the side with Betsy and away from the commotion. The challenge proved tricky for humans, too. Staff members Holly, Olivia, Hattie and Stephanie took turns trying their hand at cracking open a coconut, with varying degrees of success. Enrichment is an essential part of life at Chimp Haven. The sanctuary's team develops activities that engage the chimpanzees' minds and bodies through foraging opportunities, food-based puzzles, seasonal items and other experiences that encourage exploration, problem-solving and natural behaviors.