I’ve come to expect certain behaviors from each of the chimpanzees as I’ve gotten to know them throughout the years. For instance, if I see a chimp running, I would expect it to be Missy. She’s the one most likely to be seen running at full speed for no other reason than to run. And at any given moment of the day I would expect to see Negra nestled in a large blanket nest with one draped over her body and head, as that seems to be her favorite thing to do.
So, when I saw movement in the Greenhouse this afternoon, I expected to see Annie or Jamie, perhaps even Missy or Burrito. But no, I was so pleasantly surprised. It was Negra sitting in the raceway (the area that leads from the Greenhouse to their 2 acre outdoor enclosure). The absolute last chimp I would expect to see sitting in the raceway on this overcast, drizzly day would be Negra, but there she was!
I walked over to where she was and she gestured toward the snow at my feet. I picked up a few chunks and served them to her.
Afterwards she headed back into the warmth of the Playroom. Here she is sitting on the bridge eating alfalfa cubes.
I love seeing the unexpected!
