Moja (chimpanzee)

Last updated
Moja
Other name Swahili: "one"
Species chimpanzee
Sexfemale
BornLaboratory for Experimental Medicine and Surgery in Primates (LEMSIP)
DiedJune 6, 2002 (Aged 29)
Known forthe first ape to paint figurative works

Moja (Swahili: "one"; Died 6 June 2002) 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 like a child and immersed in an environment of American Sign Language. [3]

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] Moja died on June 6, 2002. She was 29 years old. [6]

See also

References

  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)
  6. ↑ "Moja". Friends of Washoe. Retrieved December 19, 2025.
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