Lucy (chimpanzee) facts for kids
Lucy (1964–1987) was a chimpanzee who lived at the Institute for Primate Studies in Oklahoma. She was raised by Maurice K. Temerlin, a professor and psychotherapist, and his wife, Jane. They treated Lucy like their own child.
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Lucy's Early Life and Learning
The Temerlins raised Lucy as if she were a human girl. They taught her many human behaviors. For example, she learned to eat with silverware, dress herself, and look through magazines. She even sat in a chair at the dinner table.
Lucy also learned to communicate using American Sign Language. A scientist named Roger Fouts taught her these signs as part of a special project. Lucy eventually learned about 140 different signs. She even appeared in Life magazine because she was so unique.
Roger Fouts shared that Lucy would greet him every morning with a hug. Then, she would make tea for them. She would get the kettle, fill it with water, find two cups and tea bags, and serve the tea.
Challenges and Moving to the Wild
By the time Lucy was 12 years old, she had grown very strong. She also started causing a lot of damage in the Temerlin's house. Because of this, she was sent to a special chimpanzee center in The Gambia.
A psychology student named Janis Carter went with Lucy to Gambia. For a long time, Lucy found it hard to connect with the other chimpanzees at the center. She never had babies of her own. Lucy also showed signs of being sad, like refusing to eat. She even used sign language to show she felt "hurt."
Lucy's adopted parents, the Temerlins, stayed with her for only a few weeks. But Janis Carter stayed at the center for years. She spent a lot of time helping Lucy learn how to live like a wild chimpanzee.
Lucy's Adaptation and Legacy
About a year after leaving Lucy, Janis Carter went back to visit her. She brought some of Lucy's old belongings. Lucy and a group of other chimpanzees came to greet her. Lucy hugged Janis, then left with the other chimps without looking back. Janis understood this to mean that Lucy had finally adapted to living as a chimpanzee.
Lucy's life story was shared on a radio show called Radiolab in 2010. Parts of her story were also on This American Life. Both shows talked about the emotional challenges Lucy faced throughout her life.
See also
In Spanish: Lucy (chimpancé) para niños
