Even though we’re not celebrating Foxie’s birthday until Monday, today’s the actual day. When I woke up this morning I couldn’t wait to get to work and tell her “Happy Birthday!” She is such a special soul – I can’t even begin to convey how happy she makes me every single day.
Although all of the chimpanzees have changed since their arrival at CSNW, Foxie’s changes are sometimes the most heartwarming. Her adoption of Trixie has touched us all, perhaps in part because when she first arrived she was very relucant to use or even touch any of the objects or blankets we provide. Today, not only does she carry Trixie everywhere she goes, but Trixie seems to have expanded Foxie’s use of other objects too. She still doesn’t make nests or use blankets, but she’s showing some very “beginner” nest-making behavior lately – putting a few magazines or other objects around her and Trixie.
When she first arrived, she was also a very particular eater – she only liked fruits. A few weeks after the arrival, I remember very excitedly writing down that I had seen her eat carrots. Then onions. Then peppers and avocados.
We feel so privileged to have the opportunity to help Foxie and her friends expand their horizons, and to be able to share their transformations with you. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to say that Foxie will never spend her birthday stuck in a lab cage again. Celebrate!
