Chimpanzees are one of humans' two closest living relatives, along with bonobos. Currently, my research focuses on chimpanzee life history patterns as well as potential behavioral changes that occur with age. I am using archival data from the Great Ape Information Network, and also conducting night-time observational studies at Kumamoto Sanctuary where I record and analyse the sleep of long-term residents. Besides expanding our knowledge about human evolution and the behaviours of these apes for their own sake, a big part of what motivates me to study animals is the opportunity to enhance their living conditions and welfare. As humans are responsible for bringing wild animals into captivity for various purposes, we must now do our best to provide a comfortable and fulfilling life for each and every individual.