Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/baby-chimpanzee-laugh/
This may be one of the happiest sounds you’ll ever hear.
Maisie the chimpanzee has been enjoying her time at the Maryland Zoo. So much so, in a recent video, zoo staff were able to record her laughing in response to some playful tickling.
“Making a play face and laughing is a natural chimp behavior and a milestone chimp babies typically reach between 12 to 16 weeks,” the zoo reported.
Maisie is so happy getting a tummy rub.
The video shows Maisie playing with one of her toys and giggling.
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A few days later, the zoo posted another video of Maisie showing her recognizing her reflection and playing with intention. According to the zoo, this is something most chimps learn to do by the time they are 3 months old.
Maisie examines herself in a mirror.
“Every milestone that chimp Maisie reaches brings her closer to being introduced to a surrogate mother and the troop!” the zoo posted.
Maryland Zoo staff announced their new chimp’s name on social media, too, after asking followers to help. Out of more than 9,500 votes cast, Maisie was the most popular.
“We’re so happy she officially has a name,” Pam Carter, chimpanzee forest area manager at the zoo, wrote in a press release. “Animal care staff use individual names, especially during training sessions. The chimpanzees all recognize their own names as well as each other’s, and being able to call her Maisie will help us make the important introductions to the troop when she is ready.”
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
