Play bows are one of my favorite behaviors in a chimpanzee’s repertoire. They’re used to initiate play, and they’re almost always effective. This short video was taken a few years ago. You’ll see Foxie use a play bow to get Negra to play with her.
These photos were taken this afternoon in the greenhouse when Burrito was trying to get me to put the camera down and play with him. We see Burrito’s play bow frequently, and it’s almost always directed at his human friends. He presses his belly to the ground and drums his hands repeatedly. As soon as we respond, he springs up and runs off so we can chase him.
Play Bows look (to me) like a very primitive form of speech.
these are some of THE best pictures of burrito that I have ever seen. I think because most them involve food, which is serious business, which causes a serious face. But these show the fun and loving side of Burrito that you all tell us about!!
Canines do the same thing but their hind ends are usually up in the air for a faster get away in case someone does agree to chase. Looks like Burrito is having fun to me! 😉 And he knows how to ham it up for the cameras!
I fear i am developing a little crush on Burrito…
I witnessed some pretty serious play moves between this kid and another volunteer this past weekend. It was so awesome to see the interaction between him and his best “human” friend. He’s a real goof ball and he completely stold my heart!