Welcome to The Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute
Washoe
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Welcome to Central Washington University's Chimpanzee and Human Communication
Institute (CHCI). The Institute is a sanctuary for a unique family
of chimpanzees who have acquired the signs of American Sign Language
(ASL) and use those signs in conversations with each other and their
human companions.
The chimpanzees' accomplishments are a scientific
first and have resulted in a better understanding of ourselves, as
well as our place and role in nature. This was achieved by accepting
the chimpanzees on their terms, as much as possible, and thus the
chimpanzees' needs are given special consideration. We have found that
good empirical
research can and must be humane in the treatment of the chimpanzees.
This entails developing ways to improve the living conditions for
captive chimpanzees that meet both their physical and psychological
needs.
Learn more about the chimpanzee that live at CHCI.
Chimposiums are one-hour, educational workshops involving
our world-renowned signing chimpanzees. CHCI Chimposiums include:
- Free-living
chimpanzee culture
- Threats to free-living and captive chimpanzees
- Chimpanzee sign language conversations
- Personal observation of Washoe
and her family
Chimposiums are held on Saturdays at 9:15 and 10:45 A.M. and
Sundays at 12:30 and 2:00 P.M. March through November, with
the exception of Easter Sunday, Graduation Saturday and Labor
Day Saturday every year.
Reservations are recommended. Call (509) 963-2244, weekdays between
the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:30 P.M.
More information about CHIMPOSIUMS
Arrangements for weekday group Chimposiums (20 or more participants)
may be made by calling Lynn Whitacre at (509) 963-2243.
More information on GROUP
CHIMPOSIUM requirements
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