Mary Jensvold

Research Interests

My primary research interests are in language studies and other communication in chimpanzees and other apes, including humans. My studies include American Sign Language in face-to-face interactions, private signing, interspecies signing, sign acquisition, and imaginary play in chimpanzees. Other research includes caregiving practices, zoo visitor effects, and public education about chimpanzees. I am active in improving conditions for captive chimpanzees through empirical research and advocacy.

 Recent Publications

Johnson, L. S. M., Fenton, A., & Jensvold, M. L. (2025). The Three Pillars of Ethical Research with Nonhuman Primates: A Work Developed in Collaboration with the National Anti-Vivisection Society. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Dombrausky, K., Jensvold, M.L., Shaw, H., & Davis, J.Q. (2023). Chimpanzees coordinate interrogative markers to ask questions. Gesture, 22, 121-153. doi.org/10.1075/gest.22022.dom

Jensvold, M.L., Dombrausky, K., & Collins, E. (2023). Sign language studies with chimpanzees in sanctuary. Animals, 13, 3486. doi.org/10.3390/ani13223486

Jensvold, M. L. (2022). A preliminary assessment of compassion fatigue in chimpanzee caregivers. Animals, 12(24), 3506. https://www.mdpi.com/2001532

Zager, L. N., & Jensvold, M. L. A. (2021). Signs and docents in zoo visitor education: Using affinitive chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) behaviors. Animal Behavior and Cognition, 8(4), 589-600. https://doi.org/10.26451/abc.08.04.10.2021

Jensvold, M.L. (2020).  Conversations with Chimpanzees:  What They’ve Told Me. In D. Rosenman (Ed.), The chimpanzee chronicles (p. 235-250). Santa Fe, NM: Wild Soul Press.

Links to posters and presentations from past projects.