Zoo project 

INTRODUCTION: This assignment is designed to help you learn more about and 

observe in real time some of the primates we have studied in our course, in this 

case the chimpanzee. Besides your zoo visit, your final written report should 

reflect thoughtful consideration of the assigned readings. The report will be based 

on a description of the events in the chimp enclosure over period of 45 minutes 

(minimum). Judge your time wisely and make sure to follow all the directions 

presented below here. A total of 15 points may be earned IF you follow all 

directions and present a well-prepared report (with ticket attached) by the 

A. GRADING: Points will be awarded according to how your report covers the 

following issues:

 1. Describe enclosure and compare it to chimp natural habitat 3 points

 

 2. Identify individual chimps as Adult Male-1; Adult Female-1; Juvenile Male-

1; Juvenile Female-1, etc. [If this is difficult, try another way to identify the 

subject of your comments.] Describe at least one interaction/behavior, anything 

from fast moving to just “lounging together” while grooming, etc. 5 points

 3. Integrate key ideas from assigned readings* and clearly relate them to these 

L.A. Zoo chimps. 5 points

 4. Organize, proof read, and include a “mug shot” with admission ticket

2 points

TOTAL POINTS…15 

* Required readings: 

a. Review Ch. 7 (pp.167-68) and Ch. 8 (pp.180-89) for info on the primates, 

in this case the chimpanzee

b. Read “The 2% Difference,” in ANNUAL EDITIONS: Physical 

Anthropology 08/09 edition. See also in Discover Magazine, April 2006; 

available on-line at http://discovermagazine.com/2006/apr/chimp-

genome.

ANNUAL EDITIONS (08/09)reference to the attendant. Make sure to read these selections before you go to the 

Zoo.

B. KEEP IN MIND: When you walk up to any animal enclosure, the behavior 

may appear to be erratic or random; maybe “nothing” is happening. However, 

much of the behavior is patterned in response to a stimulus not necessarily evident 

to us. Be patient. The best you can do is to carefully & accurately describe their 

physical activity & note its context at the time. There is no magic bullet! Do your 

best.

The Enclosure. If you include photos, do provide SHORT CAPTIONS. If you are 

artistic, make a sketch of the enclosure and include it with your report. While there 

is no ironclad page count for this project, please do not use pictures & drawings as 

fillers! Your thoughts are paramount.

C. DRAFTING YOUR REPORT: After you have completed your observations, 

go aside and carefully read over your notes. Are there any notable behavior

patterns, anything that indicates relationships, friendships, or pecking order? You 

should draw on the physical characteristics of the chimpanzee provided in Ch. 8. 

Integrate key information from the other required readings. Omit it and you will 

lose points. Don’t fret; a good faith effort is what counts here.

D. ORGANIZING YOUR REPORT: A good report will be well organized 

around the “Grading” topics. About four to five pages (double spaced) is 

acceptable. This does NOT include your cover page, any photos, charts or maps. 

Use one-inch margins and avoid “padding” with empty spaces between sections or 

paragraphs. Most of all, sincere work and a true learning experience is what we 

are after here. Your instructor’s “eagle eye” can spot the proverbial fluff and “b.s.” 

Do a good job and shine!