Burrito was born at White Sands Research Center. Just before his first birthday, he was put on a hepatitis B vaccine safety study. Then he lived in a human home (as a “pet”) for a few months. Then, he was sent to Florida, leased to a man who “perfected the ultimate animal training feat: teaching a chimpanzee to ride beside a lion on an elephant’s back.” Then, back to research. We humans did him a horrible disservice.
But, we’re working hard to make it up to him.
So, dear Burrito, this one’s for you:
You like to spit on me. You occasionally cover me in smoothie, in fact. You bang, you kick. You are fierce, even though you have been known to squeak with glee like a baby monkey. You much prefer to play with the boys than me, but once in a while I’ll do. When you give me the chance I blow in your ear and you laugh up a storm. You delight in chase. You veg out in front of the TV. You run, you rattle, you intimidate. You make biiiig messes. We haven’t known you long but you make us smile every single day. Here’s to fresh starts and many happy birthdays to come!
this post got me all teary ~ beautiful sentiments Sarah – thank you for sharing your thoughts with us ..
the first part makes me soooo angry – words can’t even describe how it makes me feel what so called human beings have done, back and forth shuffled around – no wonder he’s been a little unsure at times about things … ..
his perseverance and tenacity is remarkable to say the least ..so glad now that he and all his gal buddies are at CSNW!!!
thank you all at CSNW and everyone who supports these important causes!!
🙂
I annot even begin to imagine what Burrtio went thru…especailly being trained for such a horrific feat…I would love to put that person UNDER the Elephants feet…to say the least..with the Lion watchign and growling at him…poor Burrito and all the rest of the primates that have to suffer at mans hands!Thank God now they are all in the hands of people who love them and they will Never be harmed again! May the rest of your lives be filled with joy, laughter, love, good food and great health!
Bravo, Sarah, and to Keith, Diana and JB. We can’t make up for what’s been done to our chimp people (and I mean all chimp people in situations where they shouldn’t be) but we can make sure they have the best life possible for the rest of their lives. Remember, living well is the best revenge. 🙂