At Central Washington University, Lori volunteered the Chimpanzee Human Communication Institute with scientist Roger Fouts and his research team who work with a group of chimpanzees that communicate in sign language. This group includes Washoe, the first chimp to ever learn to sign. Here Lori observed and recorded how these extremely intelligent chimpanzees used different enrichment activities, including clothes, books and special treats. The goal of this research is to see how to best stimulate the chimpanzees in captivity. She made meals for the chimps, like fruit smoothies and spent hours in long, rubber boots cleaning their areas. Lori’s best memory was having Loulis, the youngest chimp, sign “tickle” as he tried to tickle her foot through a glass wall! This project taught Lori so much about the sad plight of chimpanzees in captivity and how vital it is to provide them the most enriching life possible. Visit the chimpanzees at the Chimpanzee Human Communication Institute at: www.cwu.edu/~cwuchc