Christmas with the Chimps

Excited chimpanzees raced to meet Santa during the 27th annual “Christmas with the Chimps” at Lion Country Safari Wednesday. Presents, which included stuffed animals, clothes and snacks, were provided and wrapped by ChimpanZoo volunteers. ChimpanZoo is a program developed by renowned chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall for the research, enrichment and education of captive chimpanzees.

Chimpanzees await Santa’s arrival during “Christmas with the Chimps” at Lion Country Safari Wednesday. The presents, which include stuffed animals, clothes and snacks, are provided and wrapped by ChimpanZoo volunteers. (Lannis Waters / The Palm Beach Post)

A chimpanzee, munching on a pepper, scoots off with a package Santa had tossed onto its island. (Lannis Waters / The Palm Beach Post)

A chimpanzee rips into his presents. (Lannis Waters / The Palm Beach Post)

Visitors to Lion Country Safari take photos during “Christmas with the Chimps.” (Lannis Waters / The Palm Beach Post)

Santa visits three separate chimp islands to deliver the presents. (Lannis Waters / The Palm Beach Post)

A chimpanzee pulls a bra out of one of his presents. (Lannis Waters / The Palm Beach Post)

A chimpanzee cradles his package during “Christmas with the Chimps.” (Lannis Waters / The Palm Beach Post)

A chimpanzee climbs into his tower with a present. (Lannis Waters / The Palm Beach Post)

Santa, played by primatologist Andrew Halloran of Maderas Rainforest Conservancy, tosses a package onto one of the chimp islands as chimpanzees on another island wait their turn. (Lannis Waters / The Palm Beach Post)

A chimpanzee opens his package. (Lannis Waters / The Palm Beach Post)

A chimpanzee munches on a snack as he tears into more presents. (Lannis Waters / The Palm Beach Post)

A chimpanzee takes off with a present. (Lannis Waters / The Palm Beach Post)