Ellie (as we call her), our local neighborhood wild elk, spends her days roaming up and down the valley where she grew up after losing her mother. During the winter she tends to stay more frequently at the neighboring ranch, but she always makes her way back to the sanctuary in the springtime to hang out.
On one of her first days back after the snow melted she decided to accompany the chimpanzees (everyone except Negra!) and I on a walk around Young’s Hill. The chimpanzees, however, (specifically Jamie and Foxie) weren’t so welcoming of her return and wanted to remind her whose territory she was in. (Be sure to watch until the end when Jody and Missy offer Foxie and her Dora doll reassuring hugs for their bravery).
Okay, let me start by saying I think you have the coolest job in the world, caring to the needs of 7 chimpanzees in a beautiful part of the Pacific Northwest.As if that isn’t enough here you are actually walking side-by-side with a wild (well make that semi-wild!) elk! Seriously?! So sweet the way you reassure poor Ellie after Boss Jamie throws a rock in her direction by giving Ellie a soft pat while you told her “It’s alright”. : ) There is always adventure and enchantment on Young’s Hill, thanks for sharing this video.
Hi Kathleen, it’s true. I don’t think there is a day that goes by that’s not filled with the wonder and awe of the very special people we care for and the amazing experiences that seem to happen here. None of which would be possible for anyone involved without all the incredible support we’re so fortunate to receive. 🙂
wow pretty incredible. Was anything said to Jamie after she threw the rock at Ellie?
Thanks for the question, Hillary! There are a couple of answers to that. Chimps are very territorial and Jamie was exhibiting normal, healthy chimp behavior in defending her home. So at the time she threw the gravel I didn’t say anything as that’s the chimps’ business and she didn’t ask for reassurance and quickly returned to walking. Later in the video after Foxie charged Ellie, you can see that Foxie remained near the fence in high arousal (her hair standing on end and continuing to stare at the elk and look to her chimp friends for possible back-up). I offered her reassurance off camera at that time by using the chimpanzee gestures of an outstretched arm and a head nod, to indicate to her that all was well. When she walked away you will notice the other chimps following her and Missy coming up to greet her and offer reassurance with a hug. Of course, we communicate with the chimps all the time in both English and chimp vocalizations and gestures, but we always try to be mindful and respectful of their social needs and structure. 🙂
Obviously, Jamie is not very happy with Ellie not wearing cowboy boots, let alone the right ones. lol lol
That’s funny, Holly! 🙂