I have no idea what was going through Foxie’s mind as she walked around the entire perimeter of Young’s Hill on that first day out, but since then, she has been extremely reluctant to go back out. Everyday she tries, but as soon as she gets about 20 feet from the doorway she freezes in her tracks. Obviously the whole experience of being outdoors is overwhelming to her.
Her friends have been encouraging her to go out and to remain out once she is there. But they know that she is scared and they don’t try to push her beyond her comfort zone.
The other day I saw something amazing. Missy came out of the tunnel with a troll in her mouth, and Foxie was trailing behind her. Missy doesn’t care for trolls, so I thought that perhaps Missy was using the troll as a lure to try to help Foxie get outside. And in a way, she was..but it was Foxie that initiated it! Since then, I’ve seen Foxie go through this routine three times with Missy. Foxie begins by stomping around the greenhouse, which is an invitation for someone to go out to the hill with her. When Missy joins her, they both pause and Foxie delicately hands over her troll. She then waits for Missy and the troll to lead the way up the hill.
awww, what great friends Foxie has and how brave she is being about going outside with their encouragement. I can’t wait for her to feel safe enough outside that she starts playing chase with Jamie or Missy 🙂
every time i see these kind of interactions between chimp beings i think how can humans not see how alike we are. recently (on the occasion of the death of Ron at Save the Chimps), a video of ron, april and little melody has been highlighted of the three of them and blankets (youtube ‘Baby Chimp Discovers Ultimate Form of Transportation’) … a bit into the video mel is struggling to get a blanket up the hill april turns to find out why she isn’t with them, at which point april raises her hands in exasperation as if to say ‘what is taking you so long’ … or so it looks. they and we are very much alike …
I saw that too! I had the very same interpretation of that gesture! It was very eloquent. As for our dear Ms. Foxie, it’s as though she must send a touchstone before her. Very nice of Missy to comply in this to make the way safe for Foxie. I continue to be amazed by them all.
Missy has been a true and loyal friend indeed! Thank you, Leslie, for sharing the Youtube information. I watched and was amazed!
It’s interesting because it looks like Missy is encouraging Foxie to use the firehose for security? as a guide?
what wonderful freinds these chimps are to each other , well done Foxie getting braver each day x
poor thing… but eventually she’ll feel comfortable enough to go out…