Even a boisterous guy like Burrito can enjoy a few moments of tranquility from time to time.
Archives for November 2016
That first look
Jody is deeply concerned about organization and routine. When the chimpanzees are asked to move out of an area for cleaning in the morning, Jody hangs back to make sure every last chimp has exited. Sometimes she is even helpful to the staff, grabbing blankets that blockade a doorway or ushering out a reluctant family member so we can safely secure a chimp-free room for humans to enter.
Jody is often the first chimpanzee to enter Young’s Hill in the morning. She is wide-eyed and alert, scanning the horizon for intruders and changes to the 2 acre outdoor enclosure.
This sense of urgency is temporary though, after a few moments of vigilance, she can relax and enjoy sunshine, fresh air, and all the benefits that the chimpanzee playground has to offer.
Hurry Up, Please
One of the reasons we call Negra the Queen of the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees is that she knows exactly what she wants and when she wants it, and she makes sure to let us know. When she decides it’s time to eat – this can be anywhere from a few minutes before mealtime to an hour before mealtime – she goes up to the playroom loft where she has a clear view of the humans working in the kitchen, and employs a variety of techniques to tell us to hurry it up. Once the meal begins, Negra continues to do whatever she can to move us along at a pace that suits her.
Time to Rest, Relax, Contemplate and Be Still
Two moments
The Fountain of Youth
…is the friendship between these two chimpanzees. Both in their ’40s and showing no signs of slowing down.