Chimpanzee
My first primate I observed was the chimpanzee. Chimpanzees are considered to be a part of the great apes. The Chimpanzee is often referred to as the closest species to us humans. Many studies have been done on chimps to really understand where humans originated from and I was very fascinated to see observe the interesting relationship myself. They are one of the few animals to use tools in their everyday lives. The chimpanzee originates from Africa and can be found in 21 African countries. They prefer rainforest type settings but are also found in woodlands and savannas. Chimps are considered omnivores, eating mostly nuts, fruits, plants, and occasionally hunt for meat. Male chimps are typical larger than the females coming in at an average of 5’6” weighing around 140 pounds. Chimps walk on all fours using their knuckles to balance also known as knuckle walking. Chimps live with males, females and children. It is very uncommon for groups of chimpanzees to be gender based. Males are known to be the aggressive and violet side of the groups. Mothers give birth to chimps out in the wild every 5-6 years. The children stay with their mother for up to 10 years. The oldest chimps live up to 40 years. The youngest chimp named Bernsen was very entertaining and always on the move unlike some of the older chimps in the exhibit. He would stare through the glass at the small children and even came up to give a small girl a kiss. The older chimps name Jodi that is 41 years old and its friend Susie who is 43 laid around for the majority of the time in the indoor exhibit.