Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute Records, 1970-2012 (bulk 1980-2012)

Data collected while at the University of Oklahoma, Institute of Primate Studies in Norman, Oklahoma. All records were created by Roger S. Fouts or by individuals working under his direction. Records are ditto copied, photocopied, and handwritten notes housed in 3-ring binders.

Each folder contains pencil drawings by the chimpanzees and typed sheets with handwritten notes from their observers. The Booee folder contains a black pencil with teeth marks and the Lucy folder contains paintings with acrylics in addition to the pencil drawings.

The initial premise of Project Loulis focused on the cultural transmission of a human language in chimpanzees. After it was clear that Loulis had acquired signs that he learned from Washoe and the other signing chimpanzees, studies looked at how his phrases developed and how he used his signs in interactions with other chimpanzees and with human caregivers. The records are stored in 3-ring binders.

Meal charts are records of everything the chimpanzees eat each day. Caregivers fill in the ingredients of everything they serve the chimpanzees and also how much they ate. Medicines are also indicated on the meal chart, as well as any abnormal stool notes. Male chimpanzee arousal and odor levels and female sexual swelling cycles are also noted on the meal charts. Meal charts are stored in 3-ring binders in the conference room.

Data analysis of signs Loulis used during Project Loulis. The records are housed in 3-ring binders.

Detailed diary notes and logs of chimpanzee to chimpanzee signing. The records are housed in 3-ring binders.

Detailed diary notes and sign logs from Project Loulis. Logs are housed in 3-ring binders.

Charts that explain the placement, configuration, and movement of each observed sign for the five chimpanzees. The records are housed in 3-ring binders.

Adventitious refers to a series of recordings that are not a part of a structured research project. The series includes recordings of holiday celebrations, closed circuit meals for Advanced Chimposiums, new enclosures or structures, or activities developed to provide enrichment for the chimpanzees. The tapes in this series are on Betamax, VHS, and mini Digital Videocassettes.

The video follow data provides information regarding the order of filming each chimpanzee, any notable interactions or events, and any interruptions or changes in the filming schedule. The charts are stored in 3-ring binders.

The ChimpanZoo Research, Education, and Enrichment Program is sponsored by the Jane Goodall Institute. Records are housed in 3-ring binders.

Shift reports are records of the daily routine in caring for the chimpanzees. From 1986-1993 the reports contained additional information regarding interesting interactions or new signs which is now reserved for sign logs. Current shift reports focus on the shifting of chimps, unlocking of enclosures, when meals are served, and anything outside of “normal” activity occurs. The reports are stored in 3-ring binders.

Old training manuals and taxonomies for caretakers from the period of time the chimpanzees were housed in the Psychology building. The manuals are housed in 3-ring binders.

Enrichment logs are checklists of common enrichment categories the chimpanzees are offered each day. Caregivers note which categories of enrichment are offered to the chimpanzees on a particular day as well as any enhanced enrichment that does not fall into one of the common categories. The logs are stored in 3-ring binders.

Data collected prior to and immediately after the move of the chimpanzees from the Psychology Building to the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute.

The Sign of the Day Project prompted the chimpanzees to sign about a target sign that changed daily. The records are housed in 3-ring binders.

Handwritten, observational notes recorded from Berm observational area. Logs are stored in 3-ring binders in the computer room.

The Summer Apprentice Program runs for an eight week session each summer and provides an opportunity for up to fifteen students or faculty to perform and participate in research. This series includes resulting research as well as administrative records (i.e. applications, evaluations, handbooks).

Activity Budgets examine the how the chimpanzees spend their days and the activities they engage in.

Data is stored in 3-ring binders housed in the conference room.

Conversational Video Follow tapes are recorded interactions between chimpanzees and human caregivers. Conversational Video Follow is not as structured as regular video follow and does not have time restrictions or adhere to a formal schedule.

The photographs and slides focus on capturing chimpanzee signing, interaction between the chimpanzees, and interactions between chimpanzees and humans. Other emphases of the series include: the building stages of the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute; Jane Goodall’s visits to Central Washington University; and photographs of the chimpanzees as infants. Negatives for the photographs are also contained within this series.