Laura
From: $10.00 / month
Laura is second in command in her group, which includes Walter, Vanessa, Jessie, Nicole and Effie. She is one of our chimpanzees known for carrying their “baby” around. Did you know that female chimpanzees cradle their newborns on their hip until they are about one year of age? At one year, the infants are then strong enough to hold onto their mother’s back or belly as she travels about. Laura rarely goes anywhere without her stuffed sheep “baby.” Since most of our female chimpanzees were used as breeders in laboratory settings prior to their release, they exhibit this type of behavior to satisfy their maternal need. Sadly, most of their offspring were ripped away from them soon after birth.
Laura’s favorite enrichment activities involve food, and she’s known for pushing lower ranking female out of her way so she can be fed first!