Moja (Swahili: "one") was a chimpanzee at the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute.[1] She was born at the Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Surgery in Primates (LEMSIP).[2] In infanthood Moja was treated in a similar way to a child, and immersed in an environment of American Sign Language.[3]

Moja
Specieschimpanzee
Sexfemale
BornLaboratory for Experimental Medicine and Surgery in Primates (LEMSIP)
Known forthe first ape to paint figurative works

While engaging in play activities, she was observed changing her appearance in the presence of a mirror using clothing, masks and make-up. She was also observed to place sunglasses upon her head, look into a mirror and make the sign-language sign for "glasses" on one occasion, also using the mirror for the application of lip-gloss and a crayon for the same purpose.[4]

Moja is known as "the first ape to paint figurative works." For example, she drew a circle, colored it orange, and signed cherry.[5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ About Friends of Washoe Archived 2012-01-19 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2012-01-23
  2. ^ Moja's biography Archived 2012-01-01 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2012-01-23
  3. ^ CENTRAL WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY - references 20 studies Copyright 2004-2009 Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute Archived 2012-04-18 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ Robert W. Mitchell, 2002 - Pretending and imagination in animals and children - 370 pages Cambridge University Press, 21 Feb 2002 Retrieved 2012-01-23ISBN 0521770300
  5. ^ Herzfeld, Chris (2017). The great apes : a short history. Kevin Frey, Jane Goodall. New Haven. p. 140. ISBN 978-0-300-22137-4. OCLC 982651819.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)