Meet Chimpanzees in the WIld

Besides Jehovah, this is one of my favorite subjects, which are primates;  and I just thought I would do something a little different. 

AS WE follow the narrow trail into the tropical forest of equatorial Africa, our eyes slowly get used to the flickering light coming through the  dense canopy of leaves and branches. The constant, dull sound of buzzing crickets and the sight of massive vine-covered trees-some towering over  180 feet high-fill us with awe and anticipation. We get the feeling that this dim environment calls for alert senses and a quiet step. Suddenly, there is a loud hoo sound, together with an audible rapid intake of breath. These sound rise in volume and pitch until they reach  a deafening crescendo before coming to an almost abrupt end. Our tiring walk has led us to the exciting moment we were hoping for-we have located a group, or commune of chimpanzees. 

Frenzies of excitement like this-which include pant hooting, screaming and, at times, drumming on tree trunks-are ways that chimpanzees communicate, or call for contact. A rich supply of delicious ripe figs seems to have caused  this urgent need to maintain contact with the rest of the community.  Looking up into the large, spreading crown of a tall fig tree, we can see a good number of these animals, possibly  20 or 30, peacefully feeding on the figs. Their black hair gleams beautifully as it catches the sunlight. One of the chimps starts to throw  twigs at us, and soon we are showered with twigs-a clear signal that this food supply is not to be shared.  

The best time to locate chimps is when fruit is plentiful. At other times, it is more difficult, since they may be spread out in the low vegetation in subgroups of only a few individuals. Chimpanzees in the wild usually enjoy eating off and on most of the day as they  move about in large areas of several square miles. Besides fruit, their diet includes leaves, seeds, and stems.  They also eat ants, bird's eggs, and termites. Occasionally they may hunt and kill small animals, including monkeys.

Since it is close to midday, the chimpanzees feel the effects of the rising temperature. One of them starts to climb down from the tree, and before long the others follow suit. Then one by one, they move into the dense thicket. A mischievous juvenile male takes detour by swinging himself from branch to branch to get a closer look at us. Watching this young  creature's playfulness and curiosity brings a big smile to our faces. 

Next time: Meet Chimpanzees in the Wild -Fascinating Characteristics

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2010