How Do Chimpanzees Trim Their Nails?

Project Bonobo

Mother Bonobo with her baby.


This is a project I started two months ago.  Funny enough, it started with me watching an episode of Animal Planet's, "Escape to Chimp Eden."  I was curious about chimpanzees and their behaviours - how close they are to humans.  It lead me to hundreds of hours of reading books, articles and websites.
I discovered the behaviours of a cousin of chimpanzees called bonobos, which I originally thought was a designer of trousers.  But no where near as close.  Hence, the birth "Project Bonobo" where I share with the world answers to the many questions about chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, and gorillas that came about during my readings I couldn't easily find or couldn't find at all.

Here is the first entry:

How do Chimpanzees (Bonobos, Orangutans and Gorillas) trim their nails?  How clean are the chimps hands?  I have heard that some of them can get very particular with their hands being clean, is that true?

After fruitless searching in books and on the web, I went to the best - Chimp Eden's, Executive Director at The Jane Goodall Institiute in South Africa, Susan Slotar.  Susan is awesome - and she went straight to the expert, Phillip Cronje, the sanctuary manager on "Escape to Chimp Eden".  Phillip is the real deal, his life devoted to the study and care of the chimpanzee.  Phillip replies via Susan:


Chimp's nail will wear down naturally, but Phillip has seen them biting them.
 
Generally their hands are very dirty, they are always exploring their own bodies, but there are some Chimps that like to keep clean and will wash their hands if water is available. (remember we are talking about Chimps in a captive environment).

Chimp actually biting his nails!!  How fabulous - just like a human!


So there we have it!

Stay tuned for more on these beautiful creatures.

I urge you to please, please read about our closest related cousins and spread the word to others.  They are beautiful beings, very special, and we can make a difference in making sure they are around for a long, long time.  Read.  Donate.  Volunteer.  Write.

"The" Chimp Eden of Edens.  I would love for you to find out more!

Adopt a Chimp

Yes, you can actually adopt a chimp from the Eden for as little as .20 cents a day!  Adopt a chimp.

Donation

You can make a donation to The Jane Goodall Institute at this link:  http://www.janegoodall.co.za/donations/donation_add.asp



Turbo Tagger

Posted by George Zaharoff at 8 June 2009, 9:20 PM
Categories: Project Bonobo
Tags: Bonobo Chimpanzee biting Jane Goodall Orangutan Gorilla Philip Cronje nail
 
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