Bonding with family(01 of19)
Open Image ModalBorn at New Iberia Research Center, 4-year-old Diane remains close to her mother, Muffy. On the day their group was released into a new habitat, they hung back near the entrance together until Diane was ready to explore the forest. “When there’s activity going on in the group,” said Lewis, “she’ll always kind of have a hand on her mom’s back, as reassurance.” (credit:Brandon Wade/AP/HSUS )
Trying new sports(02 of19)
Open Image ModalArden, who just turned 4, was the first juvenile from New Iberia to venture up into the trees. (credit:Brandon Wade/AP/HSUS )
Playing with friends (03 of19)
Open Image ModalBorn at New Iberia, 5-year-olds Jimmy and Mason are two of six rambunctious juveniles in their 5-acre enclosure.
Eating what they want, whenever they want(04 of19)
Open Image ModalHillary has a unique preference for veggies. Sweet treats like frozen pineapple halves are among the produce delivered daily, but, notes Lewis: “I’ve actually seen her eat zucchini before she eats her banana.” (credit:Brandon Wade/AP/HSUS )
Shmoozing with the cool kids(05 of19)
Open Image ModalFive-year-old Jimmy is spending more time with the older males, watching them “display” -- loud acts that show off their strength and dominance, like punching a doorframe or shaking the mesh. Jimmy’s even been trying his hand at it, though as Lewis says: “Nobody takes him seriously yet because he’s not old enough for it.”\n (credit:Brandon Wade/AP/HSUS )
Learning new things(06 of19)
Open Image ModalAshely is acing the sanctuary’s positive reinforcement training program, wherein staffers teach chimps to present various body parts against the mesh. The clicker training helps vets address injuries and other ailments. “Right now,” Lewis says, “she knows her hands, her head, lips, and she was working on arms the last time I watched her train.” (credit:Brandon Wade/AP/HSUS )
Just straight chillin'(07 of19)
Open Image ModalThe 20-foot climb up the large wooden play structure in the play yard is well worth it, both for the rays and the gossip potential. Chimps like Star can catch a moment in the sun -- and a prime view of what’s going on in other habitats. (credit:Brandon Wade/AP/HSUS )
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Open Image ModalThe late Tallulah interacting with visitors and flipping through magazines. Check out photos of her and other primates at the San Francisco Zoo. (credit:Marianne Hale )
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Open Image Modal (credit:Marianne Hale)
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Open Image Modal (credit:Getty Images)