Center for Orangutan and Chimpanzee Conservation


	Noelle born December 19, 1994 Noelle, the youngest in her group, was born at a breeding center in Miami. Her birth mother was hand-reared as a pet and was inexperienced in caring for infants, so Noelle was taken from her mother and was raised in a human family her first year. Now, as the “baby” of Grub’s group, Noelle has been somewhat spoiled by the chimpanzees (as well as the staff). When she was younger, Grub and Kenya gave Noelle any toy, food, or attention she demanded. The eldest chimpanzee of the group, Toddy, spent much of her time with Noelle sitting quietly, taking naps in the hammock together, and grooming her. Even today, when Noelle fusses, Toddy still runs to her aid to hug and comfort her. Noelle often pouts if things don’t go her way, and occasionally has temper tantrums, but generally has a happy and playful temperament. Noelle is very bright and quickly solves enrichment puzzles. She has surprised the staff by observing sign-language lessons given to Grub... and later forming the signs at the appropriate times. She has now learned more signs than Grub knows! Noelle “talks” to the staff frequently during the day in sign language. She’ll ask for her favorite treats or tell us that a tasty ginger-flower is in bloom near her enclosure. She asks volunteers for a game of “chase” and comments to us when she sees or hears a bird nearby. Noelle also knows the sign for “hurt” and will show us her cuts and scratches as well as sign “hurt, hurt, hurt” when she sees a visitor on crutches, in a sling, or in a wheelchair. Even though she is the youngest of the group, she is not timid. She’ll often chase the dominant Grub to defend Kenya. When Brooks (three weeks older than Noelle) joined Grub’s group in October 2002, Noelle was very jealous of him. She poked and teased him, and threw toys at him….especially when Grub and Kenya were playing with him. But after a few months together, she now plays well with Brooks and “flirts” with him constantly. Noelle is especially playful, but gentle with little Knuckles. Still a chimpanzee child, Noelle plays a great deal of the day. She likes being groomed and tickled by Kenya and Toddy. When she’s left to amuse herself, she will sometimes put her arms out to the side and twirl around in the sand. Her favorite foods are red peppers, corn, apples, and bananas. She dislikes turtles and will alarm-bark at resident tortoises at the sanctuary. Noelle has a very beautiful face and draws much attention from visitors and volunteers.

Noelle born December 19, 1994

Noelle, the youngest in her group, was born at a breeding center in Miami.

Her birth mother was hand-reared as a pet and was inexperienced in caring for infants, so Noelle was taken from her mother and was raised in a human family her first year.

Now, as the “baby” of Grub’s group, Noelle has been somewhat spoiled by the chimpanzees (as well as the staff). When she was younger, Grub and Kenya gave Noelle any toy, food, or attention she demanded. The eldest chimpanzee of the group, Toddy, spent much of her time with Noelle sitting quietly, taking naps in the hammock together, and grooming her. Even today, when Noelle fusses, Toddy still runs to her aid to hug and comfort her. Noelle often pouts if things don’t go her way, and occasionally has temper tantrums, but generally has a happy and playful temperament.

Noelle is very bright and quickly solves enrichment puzzles. She has surprised the staff by observing sign-language lessons given to Grub... and later forming the signs at the appropriate times. She has now learned more signs than Grub knows!

Noelle “talks” to the staff frequently during the day in sign language. She’ll ask for her favorite treats or tell us that a tasty ginger-flower is in bloom near her enclosure. She asks volunteers for a game of “chase” and comments to us when she sees or hears a bird nearby. Noelle also knows the sign for “hurt” and will show us her cuts and scratches as well as sign “hurt, hurt, hurt” when she sees a visitor on crutches, in a sling, or in a wheelchair.

Even though she is the youngest of the group, she is not timid. She’ll often chase the dominant Grub to defend Kenya. When Brooks (three weeks older than Noelle) joined Grub’s group in October 2002, Noelle was very jealous of him. She poked and teased him, and threw toys at him….especially when Grub and Kenya were playing with him. But after a few months together, she now plays well with Brooks and “flirts” with him constantly. Noelle is especially playful, but gentle with little Knuckles.

Still a chimpanzee child, Noelle plays a great deal of the day. She likes being groomed and tickled by Kenya and Toddy. When she’s left to amuse herself, she will sometimes put her arms out to the side and twirl around in the sand. Her favorite foods are red peppers, corn, apples, and bananas. She dislikes turtles and will alarm-bark at resident tortoises at the sanctuary.

Noelle has a very beautiful face and draws much attention from visitors and volunteers.

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