For whatever reason, the chimpanzee caregiver field is largely dominated by women. All of the staff here at CSNW at one point or another were students, interns, and/or staff at the former Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute, where we all learned the ropes of chimpanzee husbandry. In my tenure there, I would estimate it was about a 5:1 ratio of women to men!
At CSNW, we’ve had a handful of men volunteer in the chimp house, and several more that have helped in other ways—groundskeeping and outdoor projects, fundraising, event help, etc. But up until recently, the only men that have been direct caregivers are co-director J.B. and our founder, Keith.
Well, Joel broke a new record in our sixth year of sanctuary and became the very first male volunteer caregiver. Though all the chimpanzees enjoy new friendships, Burrito is especially excited. As you can imagine, living with a group of girls and being taken care of by a group of girls makes guy time all the more valuable!
Don’t worry—J.B. and Keith are still Burrito’s pals, as well as all his female caregivers, too! One of the things we emphasize during our caregiver training is the importance of building a strong relationship based on trust, and we divide our time between all the chimpanzees to avoid fostering any “favorites.” But, just like humans, some personalities click differently and that is totally fine. Burrito seems to really click with his new buddy, which makes all the primates here pretty happy.
This is so fun to watch. Looks like you have another wonderful volunteer caretaker in Joel.
It is so great to see Burrito have a special male friend in addition to JB! I’m sure he knows that Joel is another guy and he obviously loves enjoying some “guy” time.
What a cute video ~ I love it !
Hip hip hooray for Joel! So nice to know Burrito has a new guy BFF. He looks so happy playing with Joel. Funny but even in animal welfare, most of the people working in the field and in the offices are female. Men! — follow Joel’s and J.B.’s example and get out there, the animals need you. ; )
And I am so envious of you all having the experience of being at the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute. You must have known Washoe, Loulis, Taut, Dar, and Moja — not to mention Roger Fouts!? So very fortunate. Sigh.
This is the most I’ve seen any of the chimps playing with anyone…amazing! I loved the hand game they’re playing, which seems to have been initiated by Burrito! So glad Mr. B. has another guy in his life! Have the time of your life Joel…you will never forget this! 🙂