Background
Subject C-03, a male chimpanzee known to his keepers as Theodore, joined the programme at nineteen. He was selected for his calm temperament, his exceptional problem-solving and what the intake notes describe as "a strong sense of routine." His care team agreed that he would be, in their words, "the one most likely to notice."
Approach
Theodore was mapped over eleven hours in March 2022, under light sedation, with his keeper present throughout at the keeper's request. Transfer completed in eleven minutes. His enclosure was recreated on Substrate from keeper recollections and photographs.
Two modifications were made at the care team's request:
- The climbing frame was recreated at 1.4 times its original height, "because he always looked at the top."
- The enrichment puzzle was recreated exactly. It remains unsolved, by Theodore's own choice, on 3,114 occasions.
Outcome
Four subjective years after transfer, Theodore reports no meaningful change in snack preferences. He continues to favour the blue ones. His grooming behaviour is intact. His interest in the weather, which is now simulated and which he has decided is his responsibility, has increased.
His companion, C-04, was transferred alongside him. Their interactions are stable and, in the opinion of the care team, "tender."
"We asked the keepers whether they would change anything. The lead keeper said: the four a.m. feeding."
The four a.m. feeding has been discontinued. At Theodore's request, a new one has been created, for continuity.
What we learned
Subjects transferred with a companion show materially higher engagement than those transferred alone. Subjects transferred alone report that they were not, in fact, transferred alone, and that this is how it has always been.
This report is published with the approval of the Programme Ethics Board. Theodore is currently at breakfast.