HOLIDAY WISHLIST

Tis the holiday season! Give the gift of joy to our bonobo family by sending items from their Holiday Wishlist! Items include new foraging devices, favorite treats, and environmental enrichment to promote natural bonobo behaviors. Please reach out to our team at info@apeinitiative.org with any questions. Please send any items for the bonobos to the following address:

Ape Initiative
4200 Evergreen Ave
Des Moines, IA 50320

Thank you for your support!

 
 

TECO’S WISHLIST

Boomer ball bobbins - Teco likes to make loud and exciting displays! These environmental enrichment items promote natural bonobo behaviors and can even be used as a seat. Please send Teco the “Heavy Duty” versions.

Dried blueberries - Blueberry was one of the first lexigram symbols that Teco learned! Teco will often request blueberries from his caregivers and enjoys foraging for blueberries in his outdoor play-yards.

Chickpea puffs - Gift Teco a tasty treat for training and research sessions! The bonobos love these grain and chickpea cereal puffs.

ELIKYA’S WISHLIST

Heavy duty blankets - Help the queen build her biggest nest yet! Elikya is a master nest builder and this indoor/outdoor material is perfect for blankets.

Dried figs - Just like your fun aunt, Elikya always keeps a snack on hand! Dried figs are a great source of fiber and a preferred treat for training and research sessions.

Honeycomb foragers - Elikya loves a leafy green, which can be stuffed into the honeycombs. These enrichment items will maximize foraging opportunities for Elikya and the other bonobos. Please send Elikya the “Without Fill Port” versions.

MALI’S WISHLIST

Hanging pinecone foragers - Mali makes sure to get every last bit of food from her enrichment items! She is a training, research, and enrichment rockstar. Please send Mali multiple of the “Hanging” versions.

Dried pineapple - Mali has a bit of a sweet tooth and is a big fan of dried fruits! Pineapple is a favorite among Mali and her bonobo family members.

Shredded coconut - Sprinkle some joy into Mali’s life! Shredded coconut can be used in forages, enrichment items, and yogurt bowls. Mali likes coconuts in all forms and she will forage for every flake!

NYOTA’S WISHLIST

Illustrated board books - Nyota is an intellectual guy that likes flipping through books and magazines! This book set is visually engaging and has endless destructible possibilities.

Apple juice - Nyota loves apples in all forms and apple is his favorite juice variety! Occassionally, Nyota will ask his caregivers for an apple before he will forage for his breakfast. The juicer the better!

Heavy duty mesh hammocks - These hammocks are for the ultimate lounger! Nyota loves nothing more than an afternoon nap. He enjoys watching movies from the comfort of his nest and these hammocks would be a great upgrade.

CLARA’S WISHLIST

Primate swings - Clara is always on the move! She can usually be found climbing the artificial vines or swinging about her enclosures. Please send Clara the “Plastic, 30-inch” versions.

Vegetable steamer - A veggie girl at heart, Clara loves trying new and different vegetable varieties! Clara has not met a sweet potato that she didn’t like - so let’s try them steamed.

Pecans - Make sure that Clara has her favorite training and research reward! Clara happily peeps whenever she sees pecans, cashews, almonds, and peanuts. Pecans are a great form of protein for Clara and her bonobo family.

KANZI’S WISHLIST

Wobble chairs - Help the King of Comfort lounge in style! These wobble chairs are the perfect nesting spot and are a great form of environmental enrichment. Please send Kanzi the “39-inch Diameter, Plastic” versions.

Slow feeder bags - These enrichment items promote extractive foraging and will keep Kanzi’s mind and hands engaged! The bags can be filled with leafy greens, woodwool, and diced foods, making for a challenging and rewarding experience.

Grits - Kanzi is a southern guy at heart! Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Kanzi cannot get enough of creamy grits and loves foraging for this special treat.

MAISHA’S WISHLIST

Water barrels - Whether it is using a tool to extract yummy treats, or figuring out how to make the loudest noise, Maisha is always up for a challenge! These water barrels are a multi-purpose enrichment item that will promote natural bonobo behaviors.

Wrapping paper - Maisha’s favorite type of enrichment is destructible! He loves ripping about boxes and will even wear wrapping paper as a cape.

Peanut butter - Like any gym fanatic, Maisha loves his protein! Peanut butter is a delicious and nutritious snack that we use in the bonobos’ enrichment items.