There are many activities here at Chimp Haven that the chimpanzees like to participate in, and one of the preferred entertainments is painting. They paint just like we do – with a paint brush, non-toxic paint, and a canvas. The chimpanzees are able to choose what color they want, what kind of paint brush they want to use, and also what and where they want to paint. Each individual chimpanzee has a painting style that best fits them and seems to fit their personality.
Ivy takes her canvas to the structure so she can sit alone and paint what comes to mind. She always concentrates very hard and works diligently on her paintings but doesn’t spend too much time on them. When she has perfected her picture she will bring it back to you and trade it for a reward, such as a piece of food. Ivy has also been known to paint on her group mates. She likes to give Harper red lips and green fingernails, which he doesn’t seem to mind.
Emma likes to paint the inside of her bedroom instead of the canvas. She takes great joy in making the walls of her room colorful. Les paints with a feather duster which makes unique strokes on the paper. When given the option of different colors, Keeli hands down prefers blue.
By looking at Brent’s finished product one would think that he spent many hours making the strokes perfect and painting inside the lines. However, Brent takes a much different approach to painting. He uses his tongue to make a water color effect which is unlike any other chimpanzee here at Chimp Haven. I would say that his paintings are the prettiest of them all.
My favorite painting experience was with Henry and Sarah. They took turns using every color in the rainbow to make the most colorful, extravagant portrait I’ve seen. When I held it up to show them the finished product the look on their face was priceless. I almost saw a little smile on their face as if to say – “Wow! I’m good.” Each painting is unique to the chimpanzee who paints it. Whether it’s a few brush strokes or a canvas full of color and chaos, staff members are always excited to see what masterpiece the chimpanzees will create next.
~Lindsey
I had the privilege of seeing several chimp paintings side by side: just like humans, each chimp clearly has a unique painting style! I immediately noticed the singularity of Brent’s water color–like work.
— From Steve
I LOVE this! I worked with Harper, Emma, Keeli and Ivy when they lived in Ohio, and they all loved to paint and color back then too!
— From Bry