Report Text : Chimpanzees

          Chimpanzees use a system of different sounds to communicate with each other. One type of cry seems to mean something like “danger in the air or “big birds” and another apparently means “danger on the ground” or “snakes”. The first cry causes them to hide in holes or under trees and look up at the sky. When they hear the second cry, the hide in the upper branches of trees and stares nervously at the grass. Chimpanzees are capable of learning sign language. One Chip called Washoe learned to make about 160 seperate signs meaning things like “give me a drink” and “banana”.

        Washoe even learned to swear. She had a teacher called Jack who once refused to give her a drink. Washoe got angry and used several signs which mean “dirty Jack”.