Sanctuaries, Ethics of Keeping Chimpanzees in | 501 The physical strength and athletic ability of chimpanzees is remarkable Sanctuaries are responsible for the safety of their charges, as well as that of their human caregivers Careful planning and sound design of enclosures which prevent harm and escape yet provide for the chimpanzees’ physical and emotional needs have proven successful at many model sanctuaries The use of open chimp islands with mature trees and large climbing structures provides for the basic needs of exercise, fresh air, enrichment, and natural behaviors Sanctuaries have the obligation to provide enclosures and enrichment that serve the chimpanzees, with little regard for how this may perceived by humans In contrast, traditional zoos have a perceived obligation to provide a living photographic image for the pleasure of their admission-paying customers Zoo exhibits are often designed by architects to appear as if the display is natural and the chimps are content They are designed to keep chimps in front of the public, even though chimpanzees require solitude and privacy, variety and change Sanctuaries exist for the chimp’s approval, not the public’s With this mandate, sanctuaries can design enclosures and provide enrichment that maximizes choice, stimulation, and interest for their charges Some of the more progressive zoos understand the emotional needs of the chimpanzees in their care, designing spacious exhibits and providing a wide variety of enrichment elements on a daily basis Although a cardboard box would not be found in a chimpanzee’s natural habitat, a chimpanzee’s natural habitat would not be limited to a large rock and plastic tree, either Progressive zoos and responsible sanctuaries are able to reconcile the difference between a clean and sterile chimp environment which may be attractive to humans, but deprives intelligent chimpanzees with emotional and physical stimulation The most content chimps in the best sanctuaries may have the messiest enclosures Responsible guardianship also mandates the cleanliness of the chimps’ environments, achieved through routine daily cleaning and maintenance Providing for comfort and natural behaviors is also critical for chimpanzees’ wellbeing Although chimpanzees have coarse hair covering most of their bodies, it is not dense Some sanctuary individuals may have very thin hair coverage or be completely bald, which may be attributable to age, poor nutrition, or often to emotional disorders resulting in hairplucking behaviors Their native equatorial Africa remains warm throughout the year, as it has throughout their evolution Therefore strong consideration must be given to chimpanzees’ low tolerance and emotional discomfort when chilled or cold Healthy chimpanzees are muscularly dense, usually with few fat reserves for warmth or protection from the elements Proper sanctuaries will ensure proper ambient heating, as well as providing further options for warmth and comfort, such as blankets and other nesting materials Even in the heat of summer, chimps will make a new bed or nest every night in which to sleep Sanctuaries should provide a variety of materials to encourage this activity, with items such as blankets, sheets, leaves, newspaper, or cardboard, for example Progressive sanctuaries exercise sound judgment when providing enrichment for their chimpanzees There is an inexhaustible list of safe foods, toys, natural browse, and so on which can be used to enhance and stimulate a chimpanzee’s