Jody wins today’s lunch forage
Archives for July 2016
Charm
Burrito is probably not the smartest member of his group and he’s surely not the most dominant. But whatever he lacks in brains and brawn, he more than makes up for in charm.
Is this the same guy that spit water in my ear just hours ago and picked fights with his group mates all morning? Couldn’t be. Just look at him.
Chimp “pockets”
If a chimpanzee finds an object to be important or intriguing, they will often stow it in the area on their body we call the “pelvic pocket.” This spot isn’t an actual pocket or pouch like you might imagine, it just happens to be the area between the hip, thigh, and torso that they seem to like to use for safe keeping items.
Sometimes it’s not always easy to tell they have something in their “pocket.”
Jody:
But inevitably, they will have to examine and admire their precious cargo…
Jamie and the crow’s nest
The chimpanzees continue to spend time playing on/in/and around their newest structure, “Twister.” Jamie loves to investigate the happenings of the neighborhood and finds the vantage from the crow’s nest to be the perfect spot to keep tabs on the locals. She is always interested in whatever is going on at the neighboring ranches (after all it is her job), but she seems particularly vigilant since the recent brush fire she alerted us to.
It may just be a coincidence or she may just be really loving what a great view she has, but Jamie’s been rushing out and climbing up to her lookout in the mornings and loves to spend time up there as a stopping point during her evening walks with her caregivers as well. Whatever the reason, we are so grateful she has one more tower from which to be Queen of the Hill. I kind of feel like she needs a Jolly Roger flag up there.
Burrito and Tool Use
Around the sanctuary, Jamie is known for her amazing tool using abilities. With a long tool and flick of her wrist, she can get just about anything she wants that happens to be lying on the other side of the caging. Burrito on the other hand, can be a bit too blustery for such business. However, he might be willing to give tool use a little try, if eating peanut butter is the end goal.
Joy in the Afternoon
If you’re having a bad day, this video will help. If you’re having a good day, it’s about to get even better.
It’s a Burrito thing
On any given day, Burrito usually has some sort of enrichment object that he carries around with him. Some days it’s a wooden toy…
Last week, it was a plastic toy bucket….
and a toothbrush…
Today, it’s a white and green scrub brush.
Both Foxie and Jamie have their “thing” (dolls and boots, respectively). Burrito has his toys. And, when he’s feeling playful, he will put the toy in his mouth and bite it. This is often accompanied by a quick nod of his head and a foot stomp directed toward one of his human caregivers. It’s Burrito’s invitation to play a game of chase and it’s pretty hard to resist!
