Lulu, continued

Lulu has some keen skills, which likely indicates she received some human instruction at LEMSIP before coming to the ranch. She knows how to use a toilet, wash her hands, wear clothes, brush her teeth, and wipe her mouth with a napkin.

Lulu likes to indulge her sweet tooth and can be quite adamant when she doesn't get what she wants. She will steal from her two ranch companions, Midge and Kitty, and fills her mouth with water in order to spit it back at her caretakers. She has no qualms about communicating her displeasure if she is not given more of her desired food.

Lulu is the quickest learner of the three chimps and is the most inquisitive student. Due to training, she allows her caretakers to inspect almost all areas of her body, a critical need in order to closely monitor her health. Like all chimps, she can be very stubborn at times, but that passes quickly, especially if a favorite treat might be involved. When Lulu is in a cooperative mood, her abilities to comprehend and respond to requests from caretakers are astounding.

Despite her grueling laboratory past, Lulu is currently happy, healthy, and confident. The trust she displays with her caretakers—and the companionship she shares with Midge and Kitty in their expansive, outdoor chimp habitat—are both good indicators that she will continue to live a long and enjoyable life at the ranch.

Related Links

Learn more about what’s wrong with using chimpanzees in research.
Read more about Kitty and Midge, Lulu's companions at the ranch.

Posted September 18, 2007