Enrichment — Ape Initiative

OUR BONOBO ENRICHMENT PROGRAM Our top priority at Ape Initiative is bonobo welfare, which includes both physical and psychological health. We go to great lengths to ensure that our apes are happy and healthy. Bonobos are incredibly intelligent animals. In the wild, bonobos spend a large part of their day searching for food, navigating complex forest environments, and even using tools to access food or water. That is why it is so important for captive apes to receive stimulating enrichment items to keep their minds and hands engaged. We give all of our bonobos at least four different enrichment items, two forages, and the opportunity to participate in both training and research sessions each and every day. All of these activities ensure that our bonobos are happy and engaged. Each of our enrichment items is designed to encourage species appropriate behaviors, such as foraging or tool use. For example, our “forage mats” made out of artificial grass and smeared with bananas or peanut butter are a great extractive enrichment item. You can find photos of the Ape Initiative bonobos enjoying some of their favorite enrichment items below.