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C H I M P F A C T S
One Special StoryBack in the 1950s when the Air Force chimps were being "recruited" in Africa, we knew little about chimpanzees. Today we know they are mentally complex animals capable of sophisticated social maneuvers. But it is a chimpanzee named Washoe who has most effectively and poignantly altered our perception of her species. Like Ham and Enos, Washoe has also traveled frequently, not into space, but into territory one thought to be exclusively human. Her journey has taken us where no space rocket can - into the chimpanzee mind. Able to converse in American Sign Language, Washoe was the first chimpanzee to announce to the world that chimpanzees have a sense of self. While looking at her reflection in a mirror she was asked by her human companion, "Who's that?" Without hesitation she replied, "Me, Washoe." In his book, Next of Kin, Dr. Fouts describes Washoe's intelligence, her endearing sense of humor, and the complexity with which she views the world. But Washoe has more in common with the Air Force chimpanzees than the amazing chimpanzee mind. She also shares their origin - Washoe was also captured in Africa and brought to the Holloman Air Force Base as part of the original chimpanzee colony. But for a simple twist of fate 30 years ago, Washoe could have spent her life moving from one experiment to another. Instead she was taken from Holloman and taught to sign in an enriching environment where she will live for the rest of her life. To learn more about Washoe and her family order Next of Kin by Roger Fouts from our Reading List. Photo Credit: Roger and Deborah Fouts | |||||||||||||
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