Burrito was a bit nervous going out on Young’s Hill today- most likely because before Friday, due to the Taylor Bridge Fire, the chimps hadn’t been out there in nearly three weeks. As soon as he got out there, he stood bipedally and his hair was pilo erect (standing on end), both signs that he was a bit worked up or aroused. But Foxie and Missy both reassured him that everything was safe.
Burrito trying to steal a hug from Foxie, who was walking by right after the door to the hill was opened:
who then hugged him back as a way to calm him down. If you look closely at the photo, you can see that Burrito is fear grimacing (aka- showing all of his teeth. This facial expression looks much like a human smile, but is usually a sign of fear or intense excitement).
Still a bit nervous, he approached Missy with a bent wrist. A bent wrist is a submissive gesture and often an effective way to gain reassurance from a more dominant individual. He has a large fear grimace in this photo.
Later, seeing that Burrito was still nervous, Missy approached him, breathy panted and gave him an open mouth kiss, again letting him know that all was okay.
He eventually settled down and got busy doing what he does (and loves) best- foraging for chow.
Don’t be scared Burrito….the girls will protect you!
Jackie, It seems wise for him or any of the others to be nervous at first, this is where the danger came close. Bless those girls for reassuring him and love to see them together on the hill. Thanks for these photos, Jackie.
Good friends are just the best, Mr. B looks a lot calmer in the last pic. It’s so nice to see he didn’t lose all his courage about going outside, it took a long time for him, it’s easier this time. Good for him!!!
These chimps have all been through so much together, from life in the lab to the long journey west from Pennsylvania, to WA,,they transitioned together and they all came in to themselves in their own time as a group and as such unique individual, these photes only go to show just how much they love one another and how readily willing they are to help the other who is in need of comfort, security and reassurance, the gals are only to happy to be supportive, and show him how much he is loved,,
Thank You Jackie for always explaining the chimp behaviours as well as you do. This is what makes CSNW and its staff so UNIQUE.. , its taught me so much about chimpanzees that I otherwise would not know. It also inspires me to read about chimps on my own time, any good books you can suggest and recommend would be so lovely. again, thank you! you folks do such a great job of totally taking care of these chimps,, they certainly are the lucky, “Cle Elum Seven”
I have a feeling, they know… just how good they have it…
Thank You Jackie for always explaining the chimp behaviours as well as you do. This is what makes CSNW and its staff so UNIQUE.. , its taught me so much about chimpanzees that I otherwise would not know. It also inspires me to read about chimps on my own time, any good books you can suggest and recommend would be so lovely. again, thank you! you folks do such a great job of totally taking care of these chimps,, they certainly are the lucky, “Cle Elum Seven”
I have a feeling, they know… just how good they have it…
Great post Jackie. It is wonderful to see how supportive the chimps are to each other. And it is so special for you to have captured it on film to share with us. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.